Chapter 17

“Dinner good.  Information bad.”  Buffy growls as the group of women sit at the dining room table eating dinner and discussing the Orbs.  “Not that I’m not happy you found the information, Anya.  I just don’t like where this is leading.  He’ll be like… like Superman or something.”  Buffy frowns.

“I understand.”  Anya smiles at the slayer.  “But you might want to step up surveillance of the group.  I can keep an eye out on the happenings in the newspaper, see if there’s anything weird going on that could be explained away with the Orbs.”

“Maybe you should call Willow, have her hack into the databases and see if there’s anything that’s happened that the police are keeping out of the newspapers.”  Tara suggests softly.  “I would, but we’ve not talked since last weekend.”  Tara winces momentarily, before looking down playing in her fried rice.

“I’ll call her.  That’s not a problem I actually ran into her earlier this week at the Bronze, so we’re on speaking terms again.”  Buffy admits, grinning briefly.  “I guess I need to go out on patrol.”  Buffy stands gathering her dirty dishes and the empty containers, quickly striding into the kitchen, Phoenix following behind.

Dawn gathers her dirty dishes, smiling at Anya and Tara.  “Want me to take your dishes in?” 

“You don’t have to, sweetie.”  Tara looks up, smiling.  “But I would appreciate it.”

Dawn grins as she gathers Tara’s and Anya’s plates and silverware, taking them into the kitchen.  Rinsing them off, she places them in the dishwasher before going to the back door watching her sister leaning against the side of the house while Phoenix runs around the yard.  Walking back over to the sink, Dawn wets the dishrag, wringing out the excess water before walking back into the now empty dining room, wiping down the dining room table. 

***

Tara smiles softly as Anya snuggles against her, running her fingers gently through the shopkeeper’s hair as they watch a movie they’d picked up while waiting for dinner to be prepared.  Tara smiles at Dawn as she sits in the chair. 

“Oooh.  I wanted to see this.”  Dawn bounces excitedly.

“It’s only a couple minutes in, do you want me to restart it?”  Tara offers quietly.

“Nah.  I think I can figure it out.”  Dawn grins as she tucks her feet up under her, getting comfortable as she watches the movie.

Tara chuckles as Phoenix comes running in jumping up on the couch, panting heavily as she curls up in her lap.  “Lap dog, alright.”  Tara shakes her head, stroking the panting puppy.  “And you sure as heck got up here in a hurry.  You didn’t make mommy mad, did you?”  Tara glances up, grinning as Buffy walks into the living room.

Buffy rolls her eyes.  “No, she didn’t make me mad.  I just told her I needed to go on patrol and she came running to you like a bat out of hell.  I swear that animal knows what we’re saying to her.” 

Tara chuckles as Dawn looks her way with a knowing smirk. 

“I think Tara cast a smart spell on Phoenix.  And we know that she understands what we’re saying!”  Dawn explains, laughing.

“I didn’t cast any spells, I swear!”  Tara laughs as Phoenix rolls over in her lap, begging for her belly to be rubbed.

Anya watches Tara scratch the puppy’s tummy.  “Lucky puppy.”  Anya whispers into Tara’s ear, making her giggle. 

“Play your cards right, and I’ll scratch your tummy later.”  Tara whispers back.

“Don’t tease.”  Anya’s eyes light up at the thought.  “Movie.”  She mutters turning her attention back to the television, scooting down in the couch, tilting her head into the crook of Tara’s shoulder and chest.

Buffy shifts her eyes away from the two women.  “I’ll be back later.  You guys have fun.”  Buffy quietly calls out as she tucks away stakes and weapons.

“Be careful, sweetie.”  Tara comments as Buffy heads for the door.

“I will.”  Buffy glances over at Tara and Anya, seeing warm blue eyes and curious brown eyes looking at her.  “Enjoy your movies.”

“We will.  Take care of yourself.”  Anya watches as Buffy nods her head before quickly leaving the house.   Raising an eyebrow as she turns her gaze on Tara, she sighs as Tara shrugs her shoulders and turns her gaze back to the television.  Placing a gentle kiss on Tara’s cheek, Anya shifts her body back into her previous position to watch the movie.

***

“No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!”  Buffy growls angrily, punctuating each ‘no’ with a punch in the vampire’s face.  “I am NOT allowing those thoughts in my head!”

“Stake me, please!”  The vampire finally begs his face and body having been used for a punching bag for the last half hour.

Buffy finally focuses in on the vampire, groaning loudly at the sight.  Pulling her stake from her back pocket, she quickly stakes him.  Buffy slowly stands her brow furrowed as she slowly continues on her second trip around the streets of Sunnydale.  Looking up at the bank clock as she walks by, she sighs quietly.  “It’s 2:00 o’clock.  I guess I can go home now.  Anya’s probably at home tucked up in bed, and Tara and Dawn are probably asleep.”  Buffy picks up her pace, quickly striding towards Revello Drive.  As she gets closer to the house, she groans quietly at the sight of Anya’s vehicle still sitting in the driveway.  “Don’t do this to me, guys.” Buffy begs quietly, before slowly walking up the steps into the house. 

Unlocking the door, stepping inside she slowly closes the door behind her and locks it.  Seeing the note taped to the back of the door, Buffy pulls it down before quickly divesting herself of her weapons and heading to the kitchen.  Setting the note on the counter, Buffy digs around in the refrigerator pulling out some lunchmeat and cheese, along with a bottle of water.  Making herself a sandwich, she sits down and reads the note. 

                Buffy,

                I hope you don’t mind, but Anya’s going to

stay the night, since it was late when we finished

the last movie.  It’s a little after 1:00.  I already

took Phoenix out.  I’ll put her in your room.  If

you’re hurt, or want to talk you know where I

am.  Hope patrol wasn’t too rough. 

                Have a pleasant night, sweetie.

                                                        Tara

Buffy unconsciously traces Tara’s name at the bottom of the note as she finishes eating her sandwich.  Realizing that Anya must be sleeping in Tara’s room, Buffy whimpers quietly at the thought of the two women.  Swallowing the last of her water, Buffy quickly cleans up her mess, grabbing the note and taking it upstairs with her. 

Buffy hesitates a moment outside her door, looking at the dim light coming from under the witch’s door, unconsciously her body moves a couple more steps towards the room.  Stopping when she hears Tara giggling as she softly calls out Anya’s name.  A squeaked whimper escapes, before Buffy turns and walks into her room quickly shutting the door behind her.  As Phoenix comes running over to her, Buffy smiles softly at the puppy as she reaches down picking her up and burying her face in the soft, warm fur. 

“Mommy’s probably going to be driven insane.  I just want you to realize that, okay?”  Buffy softly whispers to the puppy, smiling as she’s lapped by a warm wet tongue across her cheek.  “You don’t mind, huh?”  Buffy chuckles quietly before setting the puppy back down on the floor.  Getting ready for bed, Buffy watches as Phoenix circles around on her bed before curling up in a ball.  “You’re a good girl.”  Buffy quietly whispers as she turns off the light and climbs in bed.

Tucking her hands behind her head, Buffy stares up at the ceiling tuning out the soft murmurs and laughs coming from the other room that her slayer hearing picks up.  Taking a deep breath, Buffy closes her eyes without changing positions, trying to get thoughts of the two women and what they might be doing out of her head so she can go to sleep.

***

Buffy stares in stunned disbelief as she watches Tara and Anya sit down on either side of her on the bed.   “What… Huh?”  Buffy whimpers as Tara runs her fingers gently through her hair.

“We were talking, and decided that we’ve spent long enough playing games with you, Buffy.”   Anya states quietly and calmly.  “We know you like us, and are having very confusing thoughts.  I also know that you love Tara.”  Anya quickly places a finger over Buffy’s lips as she’s about to protest.  “Don’t argue.  I know things, I see things.”  Anya runs the finger over Buffy’s lips.  “I also think you may actually like me in more than a friend’s way.”  Anya grins as she leans down replacing her finger with soft lips, caressing over Buffy’s lips gently, before slowly deepening the kiss.

Groaning loudly as Anya kisses her, Buffy whimpers as she feels warm hands working their way between her and Anya’s body, unbuttoning her pajama top.  Reaching up, Buffy runs a hand through Anya’s hair urging the ex-demon down for an even deeper, more erotic kiss, tongues stroking against each other, wrapping around each other for long moments.  Whimpering at the loss of Anya’s lips, Buffy slowly opens her eyes, watching as Anya shifts back, taking over from where Tara stopped.  Arching her body up, Buffy unconsciously helps Anya slide off her shirt, groaning in pleasure as she watches Anya lean down capturing one aching nipple in her hot mouth, sucking gently.

Tara smiles down lovingly at Buffy.  “Tell us you don’t want us, that you don’t or can’t love us, and we’ll leave you alone.”

Buffy shakes her head, whimpering loudly.  “I can’t.  I can’t tell you I don’t want either of you because it would be a lie.”  Buffy admits finally.  “I love you both, and it’s been tearing me apart inside trying to not have these feelings for you.”

“Then stop letting it tear you apart, have the feelings…”  Tara leans down, her lips almost touching Buffy’s.  “Have us.”  Tara whispers before diving in, kissing Buffy deeply.

“God!”  Buffy calls out after Tara finally releases her mouth as the witch continues to kiss and caress across her jaw, before slowly working her way down the column of her neck.  Reaching out with her other hand, Buffy runs it down the witch’s body surprised as she comes into contact with warm, firm skin.

Buffy’s eyes open as she hears Anya chuckle quietly as she lays more on the bed, pressing her body in against the slayer’s side.  “Her kisses kind of make you forget everything else that’s going on, don’t they?”

Buffy swallows and nods her head.  “Can I touch you?”  Buffy questions hoarsely, arching up as she feels Tara capture one nipple in her eager mouth, alternating nipping it gently with laving it strongly with her tongue.  While the other breast is being kneaded softly, a thumb circling the nipple before being pinched between Anya’s finger and thumb.

“Of course.”  Tara answers for both women as she releases the slayer’s breast.  “This is going to be a night you won’t forget.  And, just to let you know, if this is what you really truly want, we want us three to be a couple.”  Tara grins crookedly at the slayer at the wording.  “Or threesome, I guess would be better terminology.”

“Triad.”  Anya corrects softly as she shifts her body down nipping playfully over the slayer’s breast, slowly working her way down the woman’s ribs and stomach.

“If I don’t spontaneously combust first.”  Buffy cries out softly, as she feels two pairs of hands slowly working over her body teasing, touching and pinching.  As she feels two mouths slowly licking and kissing their way across her body, Buffy’s hips jerk repeatedly in want.  Feeling her arousal reach a whole new plateau, Buffy groans as she feels two hands working their way up her legs, placing teasing circles on the skin as they ever so slowly caress up her body.

Hearing loud whimpering, Buffy tries to figure out which one of her soon to be lovers’ is making the noise.  When it continues unabated, along with a buzzing noise, Buffy jerks awake.  Looking around the room, at Phoenix whining by the door and her alarm clock going off, Buffy slams the alarm off while she looks down at her clothed body.  “Ah, damn!”  Buffy groans loudly, collapsing back on the bed, feeling the arousal coursing through her body.  “It’s pretty damn bad that my dreams are more arousing than my whole previous sex life.”  Buffy bitches to the room before rolling out of bed, grabbing her robe to let Phoenix out.  Glancing at the closed door to the witch’s room, Buffy bites her lip as her sex clenches in need. 

Quickly jogging down the stairs, she lets Phoenix out to use the bathroom while going back in and making a pot of coffee, glancing out the window seeing that Anya’s car is gone.

“Hey, sweetie.  How was patrol last night?”  Tara questions as she walks in covering her mouth as she yawns.

“Killed ten vampires and some little green critter that was trying to make dinner out of this poor cat.”  Buffy grabs down a couple mugs for coffee. 

“Was the cat okay?”  Tara questions quickly, and at Buffy‘s nod, she smiles.  “You have to work lunch shift today, don’t you?”  Tara softly inquires as she walks to the back door, chuckling as she watches Phoenix play in the yard.

“Yeah.  Thankfully it’s not a full eight hour day.  Just need to be there in two hours, working ten till three.”  Buffy pours coffee in the two mugs she’d prepared, handing one to Tara as the two women walk out on the porch. 

“You don’t mind Anya staying here last night, I hope.”  Tara looks towards Buffy surprised when she sees a deep blush cross Buffy’s face.  Tilting her head, wondering why the slayer is blushing, she takes a sip of coffee.  Knowing that they hadn’t done anything to be heard last night, Tara blinks a couple times in curiosity.

“No.  That’s fine.  I’d rather her stay here than go home alone that late, anyway.”  Buffy steps down to the yard, kneeling and scratching Phoenix’s chest as she comes running over to her. 

“I’m going to make chicken burritos tonight for dinner.  I hope you don’t mind, but I kind of invited Anya over for dinner then we’re probably going back to her apartment afterwards.”  Tara bites her lip watching Buffy.

“That’s fine.  Just let me know if you’re going to be late getting in.”  Buffy glances back, smiling briefly at the witch.  “That way I won’t worry.”

“Ummm…  I wasn’t actually planning on coming back home tonight.”  Tara hesitantly admits, watching as Buffy’s back stiffens just the slightest bit.

“Oh, okay.”  Buffy stumbles over the word, before plastering a smile on her face.  Turning she looks at Tara.  “I guess I should go shower and get ready for work.  Do you want to stay out here for a little while with Phoenix, or are you ready to head back in?”

“I’ll go in and fix you some eggs and bacon for breakfast while you’re showering.  How many eggs do you want?”  Tara turns, opening the door as the group makes its way back into the kitchen.

“I’m kind of hungry.”  Buffy grins self-consciously at the witch.

“Want a dozen?  With cheese?”  Tara glances up from reaching in the refrigerator.

“That would be perfect.  Thanks, Tara.  And just to let you know, I really, really appreciate everything you do around here to help out.”  Buffy’s hand of its own volition reaches out and tucks a stray strand of hair behind the witch’s ear.  “I’m going to go get ready for work.”  Buffy sets down her mug before quickly heading out of the kitchen.

Tara stands there watching the slayer practically run out of the room.  “Huh.”  Tara looks down quizzically at the puppy.  “What happened last night, Phoenix?”  Tara chuckles before pulling out the food from the refrigerator.

***

Buffy smiles as she sits down at the island, bumping Dawn gently on the shoulder.

“Hey!  Watch that.  I’ll be calling social services telling them I’m being abused!”  Dawn smirks at her sister. 

“Some abuse.”  Buffy rolls her eyes, grabbing a couple pieces of toast on her plate along with the eggs and bacon already there.  “Tara aren’t you going to eat?”  Buffy glances at the woman as she stands in front of the stove.

“Yes, I’m just fixing myself a fried egg sandwich.”  Tara smiles as she gently flips the egg.  Pulling the toast out of the toaster, she quickly puts a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bread, a slice of tomato and cheese.  As the egg firms a little more, with the yellow being just the tiniest bit runny, Tara turns off the stove and slides it onto the sandwich.  Sitting down across from Buffy, she grins. 

“Did you leave it extra runny like last time?”  Buffy smirks at the witch.

“No, I cooked it longer this time after you made fun of me.”  Tara wrinkles her nose at the slayer.  “You staying around today, or do you have other plans?”  Tara questions Dawn before she takes a bite of her sandwich.

“Wondering if I could go to Kaylee’s, spend the day and night there?”  Dawn looks hopefully at her sister. 

“Have any homework, reports or projects that you need to do for school?”  Buffy questions as she takes a sip of her coffee.

“No, all done.”  Dawn grins at her sister.

“Your room cleaned and your clothes in the hamper ready to be washed?”  Buffy raises an eyebrow, remembering the pile of clothes on the floor in her sister’s room when she went by it a little earlier.

“Umm, it can be in record time.”  Dawn bounces lightly in her seat, when she sees the acceptance on Buffy’s face, she squeals.  “Thank you!”  Dawn quickly finishes the rest of her bacon before running out of the kitchen and up the stairs.

“She spends more time away from here on the weekends than here.”  Tara comments as she finishes her sandwich. 

“She’s growing up, wanting to spend more time with her friends than with her family.”  Buffy sighs quietly.  “Pretty soon she’ll want to go away to college.”

“Driving will be first.”  Tara raises an eyebrow at the paling slayer, trying not to chuckle. 

“God, I hope she doesn’t.  The only one of us that drives is Xander and Anya.”  Buffy grabs another piece of bacon, munching as she thinks.  “I guess I could see if he wants to teach her to drive if she wants to learn.”  Buffy takes the last piece of toast putting a couple slices of bacon on it, eating it quickly as she sees it’s getting late.  “I got to go.”

“Have a good day, sweetie.  Don’t forget, chicken burritos tonight for dinner.”  Tara smiles as she watches Buffy quickly place her dishes in the sink.

“Good.  Been a while.”  Buffy grins at Tara, not able to stop from clasping the witch gently on the shoulder.  “Do you need any money for the food?”

“No, I’m okay.”  Tara smiles at the slayer as she heads towards the kitchen doorway.

“Be good, Phoenix.”  Buffy looks down at the playing puppy.  “I think we’re going to need to get more chew toys.”  Buffy chuckles before quickly heading to work.

“I think your mommy’s trying to see how long it takes to drive me insane with her attitude changes.”  Tara talks to Phoenix as she does the dishes, chuckling as the puppy barks at her.  “So, you agree.  Glad I’m not the only one that sees it!!”

***

Chapter 18

“Ready for me to get the second container of burritos?”  Tara looks at the empty glass container before reaching for some more salsa and chips.

“I can get it.”  Buffy grins as she hops up walking into the kitchen.

“She seems happy.”  Anya whispers softly. 

“Been really weird today.”  Tara admits, smiling at the shopkeeper. 

“So, you ready to agree with me?”  Anya questions softly, grinning as she leans in nibbling on her ear.

“I don’t know.  Sometimes yes, sometimes no.  She just confuses the hell out of me.”  Tara admits.

“Then, after dinner we’ll go back to my place where there’s no confusion, just you and me and a whole apartment to get up to all kinds of naughtiness in.”  Anya wiggles her eyebrows at the witch.

“Planning on naughty things happening?”  Tara allows a playful grin to come across her face, watching as Anya’s eyes light up.

“Come on, guys.  Time to eat dinner.”  Buffy narrows her gaze on the two women.  “You two can get all mushy later.”

“Sorry.”  Tara blushes lightly, as her and Anya slowly separate from the short distance they were from each other. 

“It’s okay.”  Buffy smiles quickly as she places the container on the hot pads, scooping out a burrito to place on her plate before sitting back down.  “Do I even want to know what you two have planned for tonight?”  Buffy questions around a mouthful of food.

“Probably not.”  Anya smirks then yelps as Tara pinches her thigh.  “I didn’t tell her what we were planning on doing.  I could, you know.  OWW!”  Anya frowns at the blushing witch as she rubs her thigh.  “Save that shit for later.”  Anya giggles as she shifts out of range of the witch’s strong fingers.

“You’ll be going home by yourself if you keep it up.”  Tara sighs before glancing over at an extremely quiet Buffy.  “What are you going to do tonight?”

“Other than patrol, I need to make some more stakes.”  Buffy shrugs, making brief eye contact for a few seconds before glancing back down at her plate.  “You guys coming back here for lunch tomorrow?”

“If you don’t mind.”  Anya answers, as she finishes her last bite of burrito, gently pushing her plate away.  “I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”

“You’re fine, Anya.  You’re welcome anytime.”  Buffy’s lips quirk briefly in a half smile.  ‘Just, please, don’t get like you two were in the shop, please!’  Buffy begs silently as she grabs some tortilla chips munching as she watches the two women. 

“I’ll need to study tomorrow.”  Tara sips her tea, thinking.

“Did you get a list of questions together for me to test you with?”  Anya looks hopefully at the witch. “I was serious about the offer.”

“Actually, yes I did.  But I can’t ask you to question me every night this week to make sure I know everything.”  Tara pats the woman’s thigh, after she moves closer.

“I can help, if you want.”  Buffy offers quietly.  “I don’t mind, and it gives me ammunition if you get something wrong.”

“Like you need any.”  Tara jokes.

“You haven’t done anything lately for me to pick on you about.  The last thing was the runny egg drips down your chin and shirt.  I about used it for all it was worth.”  Buffy smirks at the witch.

“Well, starting tomorrow for the next two weeks, I’m going to be working and studying.  You two need to send me all your best wishes to do well on my finals, then hopefully I’ll be a college graduate and can get a job teaching.”  Tara smiles.  “And I will definitely take both of you up on your offers.”

“Did you want to bring your books and study tonight?”  Anya questions seriously.

“No.  Tonight’s going to be my last relaxing night for the next couple weeks.  No books allowed.”  Tara shakes her head, smiling. 

Anya starts to open her mouth to make a comment, closing it back quickly when she thinks twice about it, smiling innocently at Tara as she looks at her.

“Uh, huh.”  Tara raises an eyebrow in contemplation of the shopkeeper. 

Anya stands and quickly gathers the dirty dishes to get out of the dining room before she gets in trouble.

Tara’s eyes follow a giggling Anya out of the room.  

“You’re the one dating her.”  Buffy mutters as she scoops out another burrito, chuckling quietly.

“Thanks for reminding me.”  Tara turns her gaze on Buffy, smirking.  “Thanks for the offer.  I will take you up on it.  Did you get enough to eat?” 

“Yes, I did.  Thanks.”  Buffy grins self-consciously.  “There might even be a burrito or two left for a late night snack.”

“Good.  Do you want me to fix anything else for you before we leave?”  Tara smiles at the blonde slayer.

“No, I’ll be fine, thank you for the wonderful dinner.”  Buffy finally sits back, patting her stomach.  “I’m probably going to have to take a nap before going out on patrol tonight.”

“You’re welcome.  If you need any help, be sure to call.”  Tara stands gathering the rest of the dirty dishes.

“Help with my nap?”  Buffy jokes standing to carry the container with the burritos left in it to the kitchen.

“I somehow doubt napping is possible with Tara around.”  Anya pipes up, as she loads the dishwasher.

“And on that note, I’m taking Phoenix outside.”  Tara whimpers before calling to the sleeping puppy, quickly opening the back door following her outside.

Buffy places the burritos in a container, putting it in the refrigerator before sitting down at the island watching Anya for a moment, actually looking at the woman.  Taking in the slim form with the slight curves, groaning quietly, Buffy shuts her eyes.  ‘Not thinking about this, not thinking about this.’  Buffy flashes back to the dream, groaning louder she runs a hand quickly over her face.

“Do you need some aspirin?”  Anya questions as she hears Buffy groan, turning to catch her running her hand over her face.

“Oh, uh no.  I’ll be okay.”  Buffy smiles as she blushes lightly. 

“We’re going to have to do pooper scooper detail out in the yard.”  Tara chuckles as Phoenix runs in stopping by Buffy, barking.

“You are spoiled.”  Buffy chuckles leaning down, scratching her head for a few minutes before sitting back up, watching as the puppy runs around to bump into Anya, sitting down waiting for her to love on her.

“Doing your rounds, Phoenix?”  Anya chuckles, leaning down picking the wiggling puppy up to love on her.

“I’m going to run up to get my bag.”  Tara smiles as Phoenix licks Anya’s cheek enthusiastically.  “Did you have some left over burritos on your face?”

“Might have.”  Anya giggles at the ticklish tongue.

“Don’t enjoy it too much I’m not going to do that!”  Tara jokes as she quickly leaves the kitchen.

“NO FUN!!”  Anya yells after the witch, chuckling at the puppy.  “She’s no fun at all, now is she Phoenix?”

“Be careful, she may seriously not go home with you!”  Buffy jokes.  “I don’t put anything past that woman anymore.”

“She’s quite the surprising one.”  Anya agrees softly as she lets Phoenix down on the floor.  “Willow did a serious screw up by losing her.  And I just might have to thank her.”  Anya states seriously.

“Thank who?”  Tara questions as she walks back into the kitchen.

“This supplier that found some hard to find weed for one of her customers.”  Buffy interjects quickly, smiling as Anya nods in thanks. 

“Trafficking in Mary Jane now, Anya?”  Tara jokes, making Buffy roll her eyes.  “You said weed.”

“Herb, whatever!”  Buffy grumbles.  “It’s not nice to pick on the slayer.” 

“I never said I was nice.”  Tara chuckles.  “We better get going, Anya.  That way we can make it to your apartment before it gets dark.  You have a good night, Buffy.  Please be careful.”

“I will.  You two have a… never mind.  I’m sure you will.”  Buffy drops her head on the island as the two women laugh.  “Shoot me now, please.”  Buffy whimpers.

“Have a good night, sweetie.”  Tara runs a hand down the blonde hair as she and Anya leave, missing the quiet whimper coming from Buffy.

After Buffy hears the door shut, she lifts her head slowly.  “Can I just go on record as saying I am really praying that dream wasn’t just a dream and is a slayer dream?”  Buffy questions the empty room.  “Because I can live with that.”  Buffy chuckles at herself before going to get ready for patrol.

***

“Here, let me put this up for you.”  Anya takes the bag from Tara, walking quickly back to the bedroom to set it down on the dresser, smiling at the thought of the witch staying the night.  Slowly walking back out to the living room, she curls up on the couch next to Tara.  “I had fun last night.”  Anya tilts her head so it’s lying on Tara’s shoulder, smiling as the witch shifts and wraps her arm around her, urging her to get more comfortable.

“I did, too.”  Tara chuckles softly.  “I didn’t know you were so ticklish.” 

“Yeah, well, no taking advantage of that knowledge!”  Anya grumps.  “I slept better last night than I have in a long time, thank you.”  Anya whispers softly as she rubs her head lightly against Tara’s chest. 

“You’re welcome.”  Tara smiles softly as she starts stroking her fingers through the shopkeeper’s blonde hair.  “What do you want to watch?”  Tara questions as she flips the television on slowly changing the channels to see what’s on.

“Whatever you want.  I’m not in any kind of particular mood.”  Anya chuckles briefly.  “Well, there is a mood I’m in, but it might be too soon yet.”

“Hmmm.  What mood would that be?”  Tara questions with a knowing lift of her eyebrow, looking at Anya as she shifts to grin at her. 

“I’m in very much a pouncy mood.”  Anya admits.  “Your teasing has got me ready to jump you at a moment’s notice!”

“My teasing?”  Tara widens her eyes in mock surprise.  “I’ll have you know I haven’t been teasing.  I thought you were.”  Tara laughs as Anya rolls her eyes.  “Okay, so we’ve both been teasing.  And it’s been a very pleasurable pastime, also.”  Tara admits softly.  “I have to tell you I’m surprised, even with my knowing that you talked about sex all the time to get a rise out of people I kind of thought you’d want to jump in bed the first chance you got.”

“Well, don’t get me wrong, because I definitely do want to jump in bed with you.  But I kind of figured we’d take it slow, see how well we actually liked each other before taking it any further.”  Anya admits quietly, shifting down on the couch, to lay her head in Tara’s lap.  “I knew that I was attracted to you, but I’ve come to the very serious realization with spending time with you that I’m falling in love.  I don’t want to screw it up by forcing anything, or pushing for a more physical relationship.”

“Anya.”   Tara whispers the shopkeeper’s name, stroking her hand over the woman’s cheek and neck.  “Were you always this much of a sweetheart?”

“No.”  Anya admits, a small grin crossing her face.  “You make me want to be a better woman.”

Tara chuckles quietly.  “Channeling Jack Nicholson is not necessarily a good thing, honey.”

“I know, I know.  But it’s true.”  Anya smirks as she shifts to look up at Tara.  “I loved Xander don’t get me wrong, but it’s different with you.  I was mostly interested in the sex side of things with him, but with you I enjoy just sitting on the couch, talking, making out, touching…”  Anya shrugs as she trails off.  “You know… that kind of thing.”

“I think I understand.  We have a friendship between us, also.  It’s not just about the physical portion of the relationship.  We just enjoy being in each other’s company.”  Tara suggests softly.

“Yes, that’s it!”  Anya grins.  “Of course, I won’t complain if we get to the physical portion sooner rather than later, but I’m not going to push it.  I just want you to be aware that I love you for you.  Not because of your sexual abilities.”

“Well, we haven’t had sex yet so I think I can figure that out for myself, Anya.”  Tara chuckles looking down at the woman her eyes twinkling merrily, slowly becoming serious, Tara sighs softly.  “I love you, too, Anya.  And truthfully?  I really don’t want to watch television.”

“What do you want to do?”  Anya questions softly, her eyes closing as Tara’s soft fingers stroke over her collarbone. 

“Spend time acquainting myself with this wonderful, beautiful woman that has captured a good portion of my heart.”  Tara whispers, smiling gently as Anya slowly opens her eyes to look at her seriously. 

“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”  Anya questions softly, slowly shifting so she’s sitting beside Tara looking at her intently.  “Because I am serious, I don’t want to push you into something you’re not ready for.”

“You’re not pushing, Anya.”  Tara watches Anya for a moment, before reaching up to brush her hand over the woman’s face cupping her cheek gently.  Leaning in Tara brushes her lips softly over Anya’s three or four times, before pulling back to smile softly. 

“Don’t stop now.”  Anya whimpers breathily, following Tara pressing her lips firmly against Tara’s before groaning quietly as Tara’s tongue sneaks out to caress over her lips.  Eagerly allowing the tongue entrance, Anya battles gently with Tara’s sucking softly on the witch’s tongue, before easing back to soft presses of lips. 

“Hmmm.”  Tara hums softly, her hand having migrated to Anya’s hair not letting her escape too far, her other hand having snuck down caressing the flesh at the woman’s waist after maneuvering the shirt partially out of the way.  “So soft.”  Tara murmurs as her fingers stroke over Anya’s side and stomach, as her lips caress her jaw, slowly making her way down her neck nipping gently at the flesh before licking strongly over her pulse point.

“God, Tara.”  Anya cries out quietly as the witch’s hand slides up to cup her breast firmly.   “Please tell me I’m not dreaming.”  Anya whispers as her hands creep under Tara’s shirt, shoving it up out of the way, so she can caress the witch’s breasts.

Tara inhales deeply as Anya’s fingers start to pinch and tweak her nipples through her bra.  “Ease back, sweetie.”  Tara whispers softly, smiling as Anya whimpers loudly as she releases the witch.  Quickly pulling her shirt the rest of the way off, Tara reaches behind her to unhook her bra before sliding it down her arms to drop beside the couch.  

Anya swallows hard as Tara takes off her bra, her hands already reaching for the witch.  “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”  Anya whispers, her hands caressing over the soft flesh for the first time, groaning in pleasure as the nipples harden quickly under her caresses.

Tara moans quietly, pressing her body into the hands caressing over her breasts.  “Goddess!”  Tara cries out as Anya quickly dips her head, sucking and nibbling on a nipple. 

“I could eat you up.”  Anya admits as she finally releases the breast, working her way over to the other one, following Tara as she eases back against the end of the couch, hovering over the witch as she grasps the other nipple between her teeth, gently tugging it up before releasing it to kiss and lave it with her tongue. 

Tara wiggles herself around, gently tugging Anya so she can divest her of her shirt, quickly unhooking her bra and tossing it.  “My turn.”  Tara murmurs urging Anya up the short distance, groaning as she slides up pressing their lower bodies together.  Tara finally captures a nipple in her eager mouth, sucking on it strongly while flicking it with her tongue.

“Shit!”  Anya moans as Tara captures one breast in her mouth, while her hands pull her down more firmly into the witch.  Unconsciously, Anya starts to slowly rock her body as Tara’s hands caress firmly over her back while she continues to nip, lick and suck her way across her breasts. 

Tara growls quietly as she runs her hands down to Anya’s ass, grasping the flesh firmly as she continues caressing the breasts in front of her.  Shifting her leg, she presses it firmly into Anya’s apex, giving the woman something to rock against.

Groaning loudly, Anya takes advantage of the leg pressing into her, rocking slowly at first against the leg, gradually building up the speed and pressing down more firmly.  As she feels Tara’s fingers flex into her ass cheeks, Anya whimpers as the pleasure shoots through her.

“Clothes bad.”  Tara mutters as she tries to slide her fingers under Anya’s slacks, dropping her head back on the couch, Tara pants heavily, closing her eyes.  Sliding her hands around she quickly unbuttons and unzips Anya’s slacks.  “Can you let up for a moment?” 

“Yes.”  Anya whimpers, continuing her rocking motion, but dropping her head down beside Tara as she slides her body to be more even with Tara’s. 

Tara can’t help but chuckle.  “Anya, honey?  This would work a hell of a lot better without the clothes.”

“I know.”  Anya admits, groaning quietly.  “But don’t want to stop.” 

Tara bites her lip to keep from laughing.  Groaning as she feels the desire heavy in her own body, she slides her hands down Anya’s sides shifting her so they’re lying on the couch side by side facing each other her leg still firmly between Anya’s, groaning as Anya shifts and presses her thigh against her firmly. 

Anya allows a small smile to cross her face as she hears Tara groan in response to her shifting her leg, before crying out Tara’s name in pleasure as Tara quickly shifts a hand down between their bodies.

Tara whimpers at the flood she encounters, stroking through the damp folds she slides her two middle fingers gently into the shopkeeper’s body while rubbing her palm against her swollen clit.  As Anya shifts her head and she feels her starting to suck strongly on her neck, Tara bites her lip as she grinds her body down onto Anya’s thigh while picking up her hand’s pace. 

“SHIT!”  Anya cries out loudly, rocking her body against Tara’s hand as she brings her to the pinnacle of release.  As Tara grinds the palm of her hand against her clit, it tips her over the edge.  “Tara!”  Anya whimpers her name as she collapses on top of the witch, panting heavily her body continuing to rock.

Tara presses down hard on Anya’s thigh, circling her hips as she feels the orgasm working through her body, biting down gently on Anya’s shoulder as she climaxes, Tara whimpers loudly.

As her body slowly starts to relax, Anya does a half-hearted chuckle, until Tara shifts her fingers, rubbing over her inner muscle.

“Laughing will cause me to do something to cause a major flood.”  Tara warns in between panting breaths.  Smirking as Anya whimpers long and loud. 

“God, it’s been so long.”  Anya buries her head against Tara’s shoulder as she rotates her hips, the pleasure building quickly.  “Tara, I want to… damn!”  Anya’s hips start to jerk as she gets closer to a mind blowing orgasm. 

“Want me to stop?”  Tara whispers softly as she starts to press more firmly against the muscle, a firm circular motion inside the woman’s body.  Groaning quietly as Anya’s inner muscles start to clench and unclench at a feverish pace.

“Yes… no…”  Anya’s whole body starts to shake as she feels the orgasm working through her body.  “Taraaaaaaa….”  Anya cries out the witch’s name as the release flows from her body.

Tara’s body shakes gently in response to Anya’s climax, as she continues the soft stroking over the ex-demon’s g-spot, dragging out the pleasure. 

Anya’s hands clench in Tara’s hair tightly, her body continuing to jerk and spasm with the release.

As the clenching slows, Tara gently eases her hand out of Anya moving it from between their bodies.  Wrapping her arms gently around the woman, Tara urges her completely down on her body, stroking her hands up and down the woman’s back as Anya slowly calms down.

After a few minutes, Anya slowly lifts her head, looking down into Tara’s dark blue, passion-filled eyes.  “Thank you.”  Anya whispers softly, leaning down to place a gentle kiss on Tara’s lips.

“What are you thanking me for?”  Tara questions the woman, confusion clouding her eyes.

“First off for dating me and actually loving me.”  Anya states seriously, before a devilish gleam enters her eyes.  “Secondly, for the best orgasm I’ve had in years.  Thirdly for all the future orgasms to come.”  Anya smirks then starts laughing as Tara’s fingers quickly make their way to her ribs, tickling her mercilessly.  “Not fair!”  Anya wiggles trying to get away from the fingers hitting her ticklish spots.

“Anya!”  Tara yells as Anya falls off the couch onto the floor, laughing hysterically.  “Are you okay?”  Tara questions, though with the way the woman is laughing, she figures she is.

It takes a moment for Anya to get control of her laughter. “I’m okay.  Promise.”  Anya grins at the witch, before standing and holding her hand out to Tara.  “Come with me.  I’m going to spend the next couple hours showing you just how okay I am.”  Anya smiles softly as Tara stands and kisses her softly. 

“Promises, promises.”  Tara chuckles as she follows an eager Anya towards the bedroom.

***

Chapter 19

“An… Any… Anya…”  Tara tries to whimper the ex-demon’s name, finally getting it out.

“Yes?”  Anya softly questions before going back to stroking her tongue from the bottom of Tara’s slit, diving inside the woman briefly before sliding up and over her clit before doing it again, smiling at the sweat laden, quivering witch. 

Tara arches into the woman’s mouth, while digging her fingers into the bed.  Her desire at an all time high from Anya’s slow, steady stroking.  “Goddess!”  Tara whimpers continuously, her body shaking uncontrollably.

Anya stops licking the witch for a moment.  “You taste so good, do you know that?”  Anya whispers before licking over the witch again.  “The musky rich taste.”  Anya smiles at Tara’s loud whimpers, as she slowly starts the stroke again wiggling her tongue inside the witch for an extra few seconds before continuing up over her clit, having to fight herself to keep from sucking the rock hard muscle in her mouth to give the witch the release she needs, wanting just an extra couple moments.  “Would you like me to suck you into my mouth and slide my fingers inside you?”  Anya questions before diving back in, ever so slowly licking over the witch again, giving her time to answer, if she can.

“Plea…”  Tara tries to get out the word please, obviously having gotten enough of it out for Anya to acquiesce by sucking her swollen muscle into her mouth while sliding what feels like three fingers into her sopping center causing her to climax instantly, crying out the ex-demon’s name.

Anya keeps up her ministrations on the witch, stroking steadily in and out of the witch her fingers curled to rub over her g-spot, while sucking and flicking the continuously spasming muscle groaning at the sweet reward escaping from the witch as Tara rolls from one orgasm into another.   Anya works hard to keep up with Tara’s bucking hips, breathing in deeply through her nose as she unconsciously sucks stronger on Tara’s clit, making the witch arch up hard as another gush of fluid escapes from her before she collapses on the bed, passed out from the pleasure.  Easing away from Tara, Anya groans as she laps gently at the witch, enjoying the flavor of the woman immensely, smiling briefly at the continued twitching of the woman’s body.

Grabbing the covers, Anya pulls them up as she eases up to lay beside Tara, wrapping her arm around the witch as she eases her body close to her side, kissing her gently on the cheek.  Anya reaches back to turn the small lamp off before burying her face in the witch’s damp neck, enjoying being close to Tara before allowing her body to relax and slowly fall asleep.

***

Buffy nods to the bouncer as she walks into the Bronze, deciding to spend a couple hours at the bar before going home to the empty house via another trip around Sunnydale.  Paying for the soda, she slowly works her way around the bar, smiling as she notices Willow with her girlfriend sitting close to each other in one of the booths.  When Willow notices her and waves her over, Buffy smiles and eases in the seat across from the two women.

“Christina, I want you to meet one of my best friends, Buffy.  Buffy, this is Christina.”  Willow blushes lightly as Christina removes her arm from her shoulders to shake hands with Buffy.

“It’s a pleasure to be meeting wee Willow’s best friend.”  Christina smiles as she shakes the small woman’s hand, surprised at the strength in the grip.

“I’m glad to meet you.”  Buffy smiles briefly, gauging the woman for a few moments.  “So, I won’t stay long I just thought I’d spend some time here before heading home to an empty house.” 

Willow starts to open her mouth to question the words when she realizes what it means and snaps her mouth shut, looking elsewhere.  Deciding to change the subject, she smiles a strained smile at the slayer.  “Busy night tonight?”

“A little bit busy, but not too bad.”  Buffy admits softly.  “She ready, or do you want to wait?” 

“You can’t be serious?”  Christina questions looking from Willow to Buffy.  “I’m starting to wonder ‘bout you my Willow.”  Christina raises an eyebrow looking at Willow questioningly. 

“I know you don’t want to believe it, but what I told you is the truth.  If you’re willing to walk around Sunnydale for a while, we can prove it to you.”  Willow softly states after looking around the area to make sure no one’s listening in.

“Trust me, Christina.  There are many, many things that go bump in the night.”  Buffy explains.  “If you know it and are prepared, there’s a better chance that you’ll stay alive.  The people in this town have a habit of explaining things away instead of believing what they see.”

“You two are being for real?”  Christina frowns in disbelief.  “Okay, just for the hell of it I’ll go with you.  But you and I are going to have a wee talk after this.”  Christina states seriously looking at Willow.

“And when you find out what I’ve told you is the truth?”  Willow questions worriedly.  “I want to know if there’s a chance…”  Willow trails off turning her gaze briefly to Buffy, noticing the silent support.  “A chance that you’ll still want to date me.”  Willow whispers softly, her gaze back on the pale blue eyes of the Scottish woman. 

“Oh, Willow, my sweets.”  Christina whispers, the brogue a little thicker as she brushes a thumb over the redhead’s cheek.  “I don’t think I’ll ever not want to be with ye.  But I’m a wee bit worried about ye.” 

“Let’s clear it up.”  Buffy states calmly looking at the two women as she slides out of the booth. 

Willow takes a deep breath, smiling as Christina shrugs her shoulders but quickly follows Buffy.  ‘Please let her be okay with this.’  Willow mentally states, the woman having been a salvation to her over the past weeks as the tall Scotswoman has wormed her way into her heart with her soft lilting tones, and sparkling eyes. 

***

Buffy strides down the sidewalk, followed by the two women.  Keeping her senses open, she listens to the two of them as they quietly talk.

“You mean to tell me that wee little slip of a girl is something like a superhero?”  Christina asks incredulously. 

Buffy smirks as they make their way closer to one of the busier cemeteries. 

“Yes, Buffy is the slayer.  She’s saved the world…”  Willow trails off thinking.  “How many times have you saved the world, now?” 

Christina looks at Willow, frowning, as the two women had been whispering to each other, and Willow even questioned Buffy in the same tone.  Knowing there’s no way the woman could hear them with her being a good 10-15 yards ahead of them.

“I don’t know, six or seven I think.”  Buffy answers as she slows down at the entrance to the cemetery.  Buffy chuckles at the shocked look crossing the Scot’s face.   “Keep an eye open, and try not to be too terribly surprised.”

Christina slowly follows Buffy into the cemetery, starting to believe the two women, even against her better judgment.  Either that or both women need to be put in the crazy house. 

Willow glances nervously up at the woman, noticing the thoughtful look on her face.  Sighing quietly, Willow hunches her shoulders and follows Buffy silently.

“We’ve got company.”  Buffy slowly eyes the surrounding area, her senses wiggling.  “Be careful, there‘s more than one.”  Buffy whispers as her eyes zero in on a gravesite with a hand working its way out of the ground.  Continuing her perusal of the area, she slowly turns in a circle, searching out the shadows and the other newer graves.  Seeing some movement in the dirt, Buffy nods her head before spinning around nailing the vampire sneaking up behind her in the jaw with her fist, knocking the demon back.

“What the fuck?”  Christina blinks at the quickness of Buffy’s attack to the man… vampire she’s fighting, noticing as the face changes quickly and the eyes turn yellow.

“Watch.”  Willow softly states keeping her eyes open as she peruses the area, pulling out the bottle of holy water and cross. 

Christina watches as Buffy and the… vampire fight each other viciously, Buffy nailing the vampire with multiple punches before jumping up, kicking him in the face before dropping down to the ground, knocking his feet out from under him.  As she pulls out a stake and the vampire disappears in a cloud of dust, Christina runs a shaking hand over her face. 

Buffy snarls as she jumps up, running around the two women jumping up in the air, slamming into the other vampire trying to sneak up on the two women.  “You are going to die.  You won’t be given the chance to hurt anyone.”  Buffy growls as she picks up the vampire, throwing him a good twenty feet before running after him, dusting him before he can stand. 

Slowly standing from where she was kneeling, Buffy sends her senses out, while intently studying the area.  Finally allowing herself to relax after a few minutes, she walks up to the two women, brushing off her jeans after she tucks away the stake.  Looking from a pale, stunned Christina, to a nervous Willow, Buffy sighs quietly. 

“Christina?”  Willow questions softly, placing a hand on the woman’s arm.

“They’re fucking real.”  Christina states in stunned surprise.  “She fought them, and then she turned them to dust.”  Christina’s gaze focuses in on the slayer.  “What else is real?”  Christina hoarsely questions.

“Werewolves, demons, Gods, or at least Hell Gods.”  Buffy shrugs.  “A bunch of different kinds of demons, witches and warlocks.”  Buffy rattles off quickly. 

Christina blinks as she tries to take in everything that she’s seen and heard. 

Willow gently squeezes the woman’s arm, watching her intently as the stunned blue eyes turn to her, smiling softly as Christina’s eyes warm and she hugs her softly.  “Will it be okay, once it settles?”

“Well, it helps that I don’t think you’re fucking loony.”  Christina admits, allowing a smirk to cross her face for a moment.  “And it also means I’m gonna be a lot more careful.” 

“Do you want to see anymore, or do you want me to walk you two back to your car?”  Buffy questions, letting out a relieved sigh when she realizes Christina isn’t going to freak out. 

“I think I’ve seen enough.”  Christina’s smile wavers slightly.  “If you don’t mind walking us back, I’d appreciate it.” 

Willow sighs and leans into the tall woman as Christina wraps her arm around her, the three walking back to the Bronze, where Christina was parked.  “Thanks, Buffy.”

“No problem, Wills.  If you two need me, call.  It was nice meeting you, Christina.  Hope we didn’t end up scaring you away.”  Buffy smiles apologetically at the woman.

“It’s a wee bit on the scary side.”  Christina nods her head in acknowledgement of that fact.  “But it also makes other things make a bit more sense.  Pricing of housing, how cheap it is to go to school here, the death rate.”  Christina rolls her eyes, sighing quietly.  “Let me take the wee one home.  It was nice meeting you, too.”  Christina allows a genuine smile to cross her face, a dimple showing on her right cheek. 

“Just be careful, and try not to be out by yourself at night.”  Buffy smiles then chuckles as Willow hugs her quickly.  “Call me, Wills.  You still need to come by and meet Phoenix.”

“I will.  I promise.  It’ll probably be after school ends, though.”  Willow releases the slayer before climbing in the vehicle, smiling up at Christina as she shuts the door.  Waving to Buffy as Buffy winks and walks away.  Willow watches as Christina walks around the car, climbing in beside her.  “Are you okay with this?”

“You didn’t make it happen, Willow.  You just know about it.”  Christina starts the vehicle, quickly driving towards Willow’s house.

“I don’t just know about it, I actively participate in the fighting of it.”  Willow admits, her gaze turning to the window, looking at the passing houses.  “I got so deep in it, that I went to far and hurt the people I love.”  Willow frowns hard looking down too her lap, where she’s wringing her hands together tightly, smiling as Christina gently places her hand over them, squeezing softly. 

“Is that how you lost Tara?”  Christina questions gently before pulling her hand away to turn down Willow’s street.

Willow sighs deeply, nodding her head.  She’d told Christina about her and Tara breaking up, but not giving her any details.  “So much to explain and tell you.  Needless to say I am… was a witch.  I abused my powers, and for all intents and purposes raped Tara’s mind.  And I‘d understand if you don‘t want to have anything to do with me.”  Willow whispers before opening the door, to quickly stride up to the door, fumbling with the keys as she tries to unlock the door, whimpering as she feels two hands land on her shoulders, turning her gently around.

“Come here, my wee Willow.”  Christina pulls the woman into her arms as she hears the sobs starting to come from the redhead.  Taking the keys from the unresisting hand, Christina holds her against her in one arm while unlocking the door with the other hand.  Gently urging the redhead to walk into the house, she looks around, shutting the door and walks to the couch, dragging an unresisting Willow down onto her lap, cradling the sobbing woman in her arms. 

After a few long moments of crying, Willow finally brings her tears under control, an occasional shuddered exhale working its way out of her. 

“Feel like talking about it?”  Christina questions softly, placing a kiss on the top of Willow’s head while continuing to stroke gently over the woman’s back.

“I don’t come out looking very good.”  Willow admits.  “I pretty much became a power hungry bitch and thought I was above everyone else.  Don’t interrupt, please.”  Willow whispers as Christina starts to open her mouth as she looks at the woman.   “Let me get everything out then you can decide to run the other way or…”  Willow shakes her head, not wanting to think about the possibility of the woman staying, not wanting to get any deeper into hoping for something that probably wouldn’t happen.  Taking a deep breath, Willow slowly starts to explain the strange world that is her life, explaining being a witch, as is Tara.  Falling in love with the blonde woman, the problems the Scooby group had with Glory, what happened to Tara after their argument, going after Glory after the Hell God stole her mind, through getting back Tara’s mind before they finally destroyed Glory, but not before Buffy sacrificed herself.  Taking a moment to get control of her emotions, Willow bites her lip thinking heavily, before continuing on to how she took charge of the group, ordering them around to where she finally decided to bring Buffy back.  Explaining how her best friend was ripped out of heaven by her own hands, to how she and Tara argued about Willow’s abuse of the magic.  The first forget spell, taking Tara’s memories from her because she didn’t want to argue with the woman through finding out about Buffy’s being in heaven and the subsequent second spell after promising Tara she wouldn‘t do magic. 

Christina frowns deeply, but continues to stroke her hands over the redhead’s shaking back.  Trying to comprehend what the woman’s saying with the fact that she just found out that everything the woman’s talking about is real.  As she continues to listen to Willow explain how she finally stopped using the magic, knowing it’s too much of a temptation to go back to what she was like, and really truly hating the thing that she’d become to how after months of them being separated, Tara discussed how she could never be with the redhead again, and her own subsequent moving out of the slayer’s house to move back home to help her get her head back in the right frame of mind.

“I’ll understand if you don’t want to see me anymore, Christina.”  Willow whispers, afraid to look up into the woman’s eyes, afraid of the condemnation she’ll see there.

“Oh, my wee Willow.”  Christina allows a tear to ease down her cheek as she pulls the redhead in tighter against her.  “You’ve been through a rough life, haven’t you my wee one?”  Christina gently pushes Willow’s head into her neck, smiling gently as the redhead finally wraps both arms around her, crying softly. 

“Please tell me you aren’t going to leave me.”  Willow cries out softly, finding an immense amount of comfort in the woman’s arms, not having thought she’d ever feel this way about anyone again.

“Shhh.  Try and relax, my sweet red Willow.”  Christina gently rocks the woman, continuing to stroke over her back.  “I’ll be here for as long as you need me.” 

Willow allows herself to relax more into the woman, hugging her tightly around the neck.  “Thank you.”  Willow whispers as she gently rubs her cheek against the woman’s shoulder. 

***

Buffy unlocks the door easing into the house, smiling down at Phoenix as she jumps at her barking.  “Let’s take you out, Phoenix.”  Buffy locks the door behind her before walking to the kitchen, following an eager puppy.  Sitting down on the back steps, Buffy sighs quietly as she watches Phoenix run around.  “Just you and me tonight, Phoenix.  I don’t much feel like going to sleep, what do you say we throw in a movie and eat some popcorn?” 

Phoenix tilts her head, panting at the woman after using the bathroom and running back to her.

“Well, let’s see if you did any damage to anything in the house.”  Buffy smiles at Phoenix as she scratches her head.  Heading back into the house, she smiles as Phoenix stops to lap up some water before looking at everything with a critical eye, looking for accidents and any teeth marks on anything.  Working her way from the kitchen into the dining room, Buffy doesn’t notice, or smell anything.  Walking into the living room she chuckles as she sees the half gnawed rawhide and the toys strewn around the living room.  Seeing a pillow shifted on the couch, Buffy walks over to the item, chuckling as she notices little black hairs on the item.  Continuing her perusal of the room, she doesn’t notice anything else wrong.

“Well, huh.”  Buffy turns around looking at the room again, before glancing down at her tail wagging puppy.  “You didn’t have any accidents in the house, and I don’t see where you chewed on anything you shouldn’t have.  Of course, it looks like you made yourself at home on the couch.”  Buffy narrows her gaze on the puppy as she barks at her before jumping up on the piece of furniture, looking at her.

“Damn animal.  Let’s get you a treat.”  Buffy mutters walking back to the kitchen, digging out a couple of the small milk bones, chuckling as Phoenix barks excitedly.  “Tara said she was working with you on sitting.  So, sit Phoenix.”  Buffy states authoritatively, chuckling as Phoenix tilts her head looking at her. “Sit, Phoenix.”  Buffy states again, kneeling down in front of the puppy, smiling as Phoenix finally sits down.  “Good, girl.”  Buffy hands her a bone, rubbing her head firmly.  Standing up, Buffy puts away her weapons before grabbing the remote to curl up on the couch, smiling as Phoenix runs in jumping up beside her on the couch.  Turning the television on, Buffy relaxes while rubbing the puppy’s stomach as she flicks through the channels, finally coming across a movie that looks promising.

***

“Easy, my wee one.”  Christina whispers as Willow jerks away, looking around disoriented.

Willow blinks her eyes, realizing she’s still curled up in Christina’s arms and that it’s morning.  “Goddess, I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you.”

“You’re okay, Willow.”  Christina smiles at the woman as she eases off her lap.  “But I would be a liking you to tell me where the bathroom is.” 

“Oh, follow me.”  Willow blushes deeply as she leads the way upstairs to the bathroom.  “If you want to take a shower or anything, I can get you towels.”

“That’ll be okay?”  Christina questions as she stops in the doorway to the bathroom.

“Of course.  Here, wait a minute.”  Willow smiles at the woman before walking over to the linen closet pulling out a couple towels and a washcloth.  “Here you go, let me by you for a second.”  Willow blushes again as Christina shifts out of the way.  Kneeling down in front of the bathroom cabinet, Willow pulls out a fresh deodorant, toothpaste and razor blade.  “If you need anything else, let me know.”

“I would say fresh clothes, but I be a thinking that yours won’t fit me.” Christina smirks at the redhead as she eases by her.

Willow laughs quietly, shaking her head.  “I somehow doubt even my socks would fit you.  I could get you a t-shirt and look through my father’s things, see if maybe he might own a pair of sweatpants.  That’ll be your best bet.”  Willow offers looking up at the woman. 

“I can put my clothes back on.  Thanks, Willow.”  Christine reaches up to run a finger gently down the redhead’s neck. 

“So, I haven’t managed to scare you off?”  Willow questions after swallowing hard.

“No, no matter how hard you tried.  I’ll not be running off that easy, my wee one.”  Christina smiles.  “I’ve decided I like you, so for better or worse you‘re stuck with me unless you tell me to leave.” 

Willow bites her lip, blushing lightly as she looks up into the smiling countenance of the tall Scotswoman.  “Let me see what I can find for you.”  Willow whispers before turning to go to her parent’s room, her heart feeling lighter than it has in a very long time.

Christina smiles as she gently closes the door to the bathroom, setting the towels down on the sink before turning to the enclosed shower, turning the water on to get hot.  Slowly stripping Christina folds her clothes before stepping into the shower, groaning at the water beating down on her, sighing.  “I do like you, wee one.  You’ve seen what you’ve done and you’re regretting it.  I don’t think you’d be making the same mistakes again.” 

***

Chapter 20

“You have to slam the orbs together to destroy them.”  Tara looks intently at the slayer as the angry woman slides a knife in the back of her jeans.

“I’m going to take these idiots out one way or the other.  Warren killed Katrina I know he did but I can’t prove it.”  Buffy growls searching through the weapon’s chest seeing if there’s anything else she can use. 

“Here’s the route that the armored truck is taking.  This is your best bet.”  Willow hands the printout to the slayer, frowning deeply.  “Is there anything else I can do?”  Willow questions worriedly, looking from Buffy to Tara and back again.

“No.  Thanks for your help researching this, Wills.”  Buffy allows a small smile to cross her face before she heads to the door.  “I know Christina and you have plans tonight, go have a good night.”

“Be careful, sweetie.”  Tara calls after the quickly departing slayer, holding Phoenix as she tries to follow the slayer.  “No, Phoenix, honey.  You have to stay here.” 

Willow chuckles at the growing puppy.  “She’s getting big.”

“Yes, she is.  So, where are you and Christina going tonight?”  Tara questions, trying to get her thoughts off the slayer and the danger she’s in, smiling softly at the blushing redhead.  Glad that Willow has started to come around more often the last couple weeks, the two women slowly becoming friends again.

“She wants to take me to that new Japanese place that fixes the food in front of us.”  Willow smiles shyly.  “What plans do you and Anya have tonight?”  Willow sits down in the chair across from the blonde witch.

“She should be here in about fifteen minutes to half an hour after she closes up the shop.”  Tara nibbles on her lip, worrying about Buffy.  “We’re just going to stay here, wait for Buffy to get in.  These three idiots have me worried.  Buffy doesn’t normally have to go up against humans.”  Tara feels her heart getting heavy at the thought of the blonde slayer getting hurt, or possibly having to hurt humans knowing it’ll tear her up.  Rubbing her forehead, Tara thinks back over the last couple weeks.  How with Buffy and Anya’s help, she graduated school with top honors and how Buffy’s still confusing the hell out of her with her mercurial disposition changes.  One moment being teasing and playful to being quiet and keeping to herself. 

“Tara?”  Willow softly calls the woman’s name, drawing her out of her thoughts.

“Yes?”  Tara blinks, eyes focusing back in on the redhead.

“I don’t think I ever really said this, but…”  Willow rubs her hand nervously over the arm of the chair before looking back up, looking intently into the curious blue eyes.  “I’m sorry for everything I did to you.  And even though I never deserved your forgiveness, I want to thank you for giving it to me.” 

“Oh, Willow!”  Tara smiles softly at the woman seeing the young woman she first fell in love with finally shining back from the green depths, knowing that Willow is really and truly right with the world again.  Standing up she quickly walks over to her and kneels besides her hugging her tightly.  “You finally got back to yourself, sweetie.”

“Thanks for making me own up to what I was doing.”  Willow cries, hugging her ex-lover tightly.  “Between you making me deal with my problems of my own making and then Christina talking with me and helping me see just what I did to you, I finally feel like I’m back to myself now.”

“That’s all I ever wanted for you.”  Tara smiles softly as she pulls back brushing loose hairs behind Willow’s ears.  “You’re going to be okay now.”

“I am.”  Willow smiles tremulously as she wipes the tears from her face.  “Just so you know I’ll always love you.  You showed me a part of myself I never realized was there.  And I understand more of what you told me when you broke up with me that day for good.  And no matter how much it hurt, it was really the best thing for us.” 

Tara brushes a tear from Willow’s cheek, smiling gently at the redhead.  “Christina is a very lucky woman to have you, Willow.  I need to tell her to make sure she takes care of you.” 

Willow chuckles quietly.  “She does, Tara.  How are you and Anya getting along?”

Tara blushes, then chuckles wickedly as Willow smirks at her.  “We’re getting along great.  Now that school’s over with, I’ve been going to the shop and helping her during the day.  Kind of reorganizing items, seeing what’s selling and what’s not, that way we can mark the stuff down and get rid of it.”

“And I’m sure you’re having lots of smoochies going on in the store when you’re by yourself, also!”  Willow jokes with the blonde, finally feeling like she can without it breaking her heart at the thought of the two women together.

Tara chuckles looking down.  “Maybe occasionally.” 

“You actually expect me to believe that?”  Willow questions with a lifted eyebrow, smirking at the blonde.

“Stop it!”  Tara smacks Willow lightly on the leg, smiling at the redhead as she sits back down on the couch, scratching Phoenix‘s head before she jumps down running to the door.  Smiling Tara waits for Anya to walk in. 

Willow glances towards the door as it opens.  Watching as Anya quickly walks in, shutting the door behind her.  “Hi, Anya.”  Willow whispers softly, still not real sure how the ex-demon feels about her, not having spent much time with the woman.

“Hi, Willow.”  Anya smiles briefly at the redhead, then reaches down to the wiggling Phoenix.  “Hi there, Phoenix.  Are you being a good girl?”  Anya chuckles as Phoenix barks and licks her hand. 

“Of course she is.”  Tara chuckles as Anya looks and winks at her.  “Close up the shop earlier than you planned to?”  Tara questions glancing at the clock.

“Yes.  I thought it for the best.  I knew you would be worried.”  Anya explains, looking knowingly at the blonde as she sits down beside her, kissing her softly on the lips before grunting as Phoenix jumps up into her lap.  “You’re too damn big for this, Phoenix!” 

“She’s only about four months old.  She’s got a lot of growing to do!”  Tara chuckles as she clasps the shopkeeper’s hand in hers, threading their fingers together.

Anya smiles and squeezes the fingers gently, seeing and feeling the worry practically coming off the witch in waves.  Turning her gaze to Willow, she’s surprised the ex-witch isn’t picking up on the feelings coming from Tara.  Even with her limited magical abilities, she’s tuned in enough to Tara to feel them.

“I’m going to go.  I need to get ready.”  Willow smiles at the two women as she stands, quickly walking to the door.

“Be careful, Willow.”  Tara calls after the redhead.  “You know you’re welcome to come by here anytime.”

“I know.  Thanks, Tara.”  Willow smiles before turning her gaze on Anya.  “Take care of her, Anya.  You have a wonderful woman there.”

Anya watches as Willow leaves the house, surprised at the acceptance she saw in the woman’s eyes.  “She’s really okay with us now, isn’t she?”

“I think it’s more that she’s okay with the world now.”  Tara admits softly, leaning into Anya as she wraps her arm around her shoulder.  “I’m worried.”

“I know you are.”  Anya whispers, stroking her hand down her lover’s arm, hugging her tightly.  “She’ll be okay, Tara.  She has to be, we haven’t had a chance to talk with her.” 

Tara nods her head.  “I may end up moving in with you, if this isn’t what she wants or causes problems, you know that, right?”

“I know.”  Anya sighs quietly.  “Not that I don’t want you to be with me whenever possible.  But I know that she cares for us, Tara.  Every time I catch her looking at either one of us I see longing in her eyes before she turns away or puts that damn slayer look on her face.” 

“You’re positive?”  Tara questions softly, shifting so she looks at Anya.  “I mean, sometimes I see what you’re talking about, then other times I just see a good friend looking back at me.”

“1200 plus years can’t be wrong, Tara.”  Anya smiles softly at the witch brushing her thumb over the worry lines between the witch’s eyes.  “Trust me, on this.”  Anya whispers brushing her lips softly over Tara’s.

“I trust you.”  Tara whispers leaning down against Anya, sighing softly. 

“Can you eat?”  Anya holds Tara to her gently. 

“Not right now.  Are you hungry?”  Tara pulls back to look at the woman, frowning deeply.  “I probably should fix something.  That way when Buffy gets home, she has something to eat if she’s hungry.”  Tara jumps up, striding into the kitchen leaving a bemused Anya sitting on the couch.

“Why don’t you do that?”  Anya murmurs to the empty room, shaking her head.  “We have got to get this thing figured out.  Between Buffy’s hot and cold routine with both of us, and Tara feeling guilty over her feelings for Buffy, I have got to knock some sense into these two!”  Anya looks down in surprise as she hears a quiet bark come from Phoenix.  “You agree?”  As Phoenix licks her hand, Anya chuckles.  “So you and I are the two smart ones in this family, huh?  Damn good thing they have us then!”  Anya laughs quietly as Phoenix wags her tail enthusiastically.  “Let me see what Tara’s up to.” 

Anya follows Phoenix into the kitchen, watching as Tara starts chopping up vegetables throwing them in a container.  “What are you fixing?”

“Beef stew.”  Tara bites her lip as she turns the meat before turning back to chop more vegetables. 

Sitting down at the island, Anya silently watch’s Tara for a few minutes.  “Want any help with anything?”

“No, thank you.”  Tara looks up briefly, a quick smile crossing her face before she turns back pulling down spices to throw in with the meat. 

“Where’s Dawn?”  Anya questions wondering why the teen isn’t in the other room.

“Her friend Kaylee’s parents took the two of them to their summer house at the beach for a couple weeks.  I thought I mentioned it to you?”  Tara looks up confusion showing in her eyes.

“You might have.  But there’s a good possibility that I might have been distracted at the time.”  Anya admits, smiling softly at the witch.

Tara blushes lightly turning back to the meat.  Adding the water and additional seasonings, Tara slowly adds all the vegetables she’d chopped, stirring the items gently before covering the pot and turning the gauge down to let the stew simmer.  Walking over to Anya, she wraps her arms around the woman’s waist and hooks her chin over her shoulder, hugging her tightly.  “I love you.”  Tara whispers softly.

“I love you, too.”  Anya hugs Tara tightly as she tilts her cheek down to lay on the witch’s shoulder.  “She’s going to be okay, Tara.  I promise.  If not, you get to kick my ass.”

“You enjoy it too much when I do that.”  Tara smiles, holding Anya tightly.  “I wish we could afford a cell phone.  When I get a job teaching that’s going to be the first thing I buy is cell phones for all of us.”  Tara sighs deeply.

“We don’t have to wait for you to get a full-time job, Tara.  I’d be willing to pay for the phones.”  Anya offers softly, knowing she’d been over this type of thing before with the witch.

“Anya, you know I can’t accept you doing that.”  Tara whispers pulling back gently to look in the woman’s eyes.  “You do too much already.”

“You don’t let me do hardly anything.”  Anya frowns.  “Tara, I make good money running the Magic Box.  I also have quite a bit of money put away from when I was a vengeance demon.”

“You got paid for being a vengeance demon?”  Tara questions, tilting her head.

“Sort of.”  Anya grins mischievously.  “Through the years some of my more… happy customers would give me tokens of their appreciation.  I have multiple boxes in different banks holding jewelry.  I can send a couple items to the auction house, and none of us would be hurting for money for a very long time to come.”

“You’re kidding?”  Tara blinks in surprise. 

“No, actually I’m very serious.”  Anya admits, looking seriously at Tara.  “Would you let me help you?”

Tara stands there in shock, looking at Anya.  “Anya…”  Slowly disentangling herself from the ex-demon, she pulls one of the stools to where she’s sitting beside the ex-demon.  “I can’t accept your help, sweetie.”  Tara runs a hand down Anya’s cheek.  “And I know Buffy is stubborn enough not to accept it, either.  She’s trying her best to pay me back for the money I gave her for Phoenix.  We’ve had a couple arguments over that.”  Tara admits, frowning. 

“You’re tensing up again.”  Anya points out looking at the tense body of the witch. 

“I can’t help it.”  Tara mutters, standing up to pace back and forth, glancing out the window at the fading sun.  “Every time she goes out there I’m afraid something’s going to happen.  This shit with the stupid idiots really has me worried.  She’s never had to go up against humans before, Anya.  And if Warren did kill Katrina, there’s a possibility he’s going to try and hurt her.”

“Do you know where she’s going?”  Anya questions, watching Tara stride back and forth in the small area.  “And can you try to calm down, you’re getting Phoenix riled.”  Anya sighs looking down at the puppy as she alternates whimpering and growling lowly.

“Damn it!  No, I don‘t know where exactly she is.”  Tara mutters as she slows down, reaching for the puppy.  “Come here, Phoenix.” 

“Does she do that often?”  Anya blinks a couple times as Tara sits down on the floor, Phoenix climbing into her lap, pushing against the witch.

“What, get upset?  Actually, the few times Buffy and I have argued and she’s been in the same room she has gotten upset.  She‘s pretty tuned into our emotions.”   Tara explains softly as she calms the dog, sighing heavily. 

Anya tilts her head watching as Tara pets the puppy, calming her down.  Anya decides right then and there that one way or another before the next week is out, she was going to have a very serious discussion with Buffy, whether Tara wants her to or not.  “How about we curl up on the couch and you try and relax.  I’ll make you a cup of tea.”  Anya states calmly as she stands filling up the kettle, turning it on before pulling down a mug.  Digging through the different teas, she finally pulls out a honey chamomile bag, placing it in the mug before hunting out the honey, placing it beside the mug. 

“Thanks, Anya.”  Tara whispers watching the woman gather her tea makings.

“Go get comfortable in the living room.  I’ll bring the tea to you when it’s ready.”  Anya urges softly, smiling as Tara nods her head, easing Phoenix off her lap before standing and slowly walking out of the kitchen.  Turning back to the kettle, Anya waits for it to boil while thinking about the two women that are slowly but surely becoming her life.

***

Buffy growls silently as night falls across Sunnydale.  Glancing at the stops that the armored truck is supposed to make, she tries to figure out where Warren, Jonathan and that other nerd would decide would be the best place to hijack the truck.  Making a calculated guess she heads across town.

“I SO do not have time for you, right now!”  Buffy growls ducking a swing from the vampire that jumped out at her from the alleyway.

“Make time, little girl.”  The vampire hisses, slamming a fist into the slayer’s stomach before grunting in pain as she knees him hard in the balls, making him drop to the ground in pain.

“I said I don’t have time for you!”  Buffy growls angrily, staking him quickly before continuing on her way unconsciously rubbing her aching stomach.  Jogging across town, Buffy keeps her eyes open, a small smile crossing her face as she eyes Jonathan looking around nervously.  Slowing down, she hides in the shadows as she sneaks up on the young man, glancing around she snarls her nose as she watches Warren flip the truck with the other guy egging him on. 

Quickly snatching Jonathan back, with her hand over his mouth, she hisses in his ear.  “You’re going to jail, Jonathan.  I would have thought you had learned your lesson the last time you decided to play games.”  She frowns when she watches his eyes silently begging her to release him.  “You warn them, I’m going to beat you to within an inch of your life then drop you off outside the police station with a confession attached to you, understood?” 

Jonathan nods his head quickly, the fear obvious in his eyes.  As Buffy slowly pulls her hand away, he lets out a shaky breath.  “Thank God.  You got to stop him.  He’s gone off the deep end.  He killed his ex-girlfriend, Buffy.”  Jonathan whispers begging her.  “He’s got a power boost you got to destroy the orbs to beat him.”

Buffy narrows her gaze on Jonathan.  “Why the change of heart, Jonathan?”

“I thought it was all going to be fun and games, but he went over the edge with Katrina.  I never really wanted to hurt anyone, Buffy.”  Jonathan quietly begs her.  “Please, I promise to never, ever do anything like this again.  Destroy the orbs.” 

Buffy growls quietly, knowing that Jonathan’s telling her the truth, since she already knows that she has to destroy the orbs.  “Don’t fuck with me, Jonathan.  I’ve about had it with you and your games.”  Buffy warns before slowly working her way to the corner, watching as Warren rips the doors off the back of the truck pulling the bags of money out. 

“Andrew, get your ass over here and help me unload the truck.  Where the hell did Jonathan disappear to?”  Warren yells as he tosses more bags out of the back of the truck.

“I don’t know, but it never fails he disappears when there’s work to be done.”  Andrew grunts as he picks up two of the bags of money, carrying them the short distance to the vehicle, tossing them in the trunk. 

Buffy sneaks up on the sandy haired man, called Andrew.  As he turns back to the armored vehicle she smacks him on the back of the head with a stake, knocking him out.  “Coming back for you, ANDREW.”  Buffy stresses the boy’s name, before quickly easing up to the outside of the armored truck.

“Andrew?  Where the hell did you go, you’re falling behind.”  Warren bitches as he throws some more bags out.  “Bunch of idiots I’m working with.  The less work you guys do, the less money you get!” 

“How about you don’t get any money at all?”  Buffy snarls as she spins around in front of the opened car, daring Warren to come out. 

“Oooh.  It’s the slayer.”  Warren shivers as if he’s scared, before smirking as he quickly strides out of the armored car, watching as Buffy backs up, watching him intently.  “I’m going to so enjoy kicking your ass, you know that?  And after I kick your ass, I plan on fucking it!”  Warren laughs evilly as he works his way closer to the slayer.

“You aren’t getting anywhere near me, you sick bastard!”  Buffy growls as she jumps up, doing a quick spin kick.  Surprised when she lands that he just stands there smirking at her.

“That isn’t going to get it done, honey.”  Warren chuckles at the surprised slayer.  “I’ve got a bit of a power boost and there ain’t no way you’re going to be able to beat me!”  Warren snarls as he slams his fist into Buffy’s cheek.

Buffy shifts as she sees the punch coming at her, but not quickly enough to dodge it completely.  As her head snaps back, she follows the flow of the hit, spinning away from Warren eyeing him, trying to figure out where he’s hiding the orbs.  Not holding back, she comes in swinging, knocking him back but not knocking him down.  Continuing the fast, hard punches, Buffy grunts as Warren slams his fist in her ribs.  As she feels one of them give, Buffy cries out in pain.

“Oooh, I like that sound.”  Warren growls as he slams another fist into her ribs time and time again, chuckling madly as he hears the satisfying crunches.

“Under his jacket, Buffy, in the bags hooked around his waist!”  Jonathan yells as he sees the slayer slowly get up from the ground, holding her ribs.  “Come on, Buffy!  I know you can do it!”  Jonathan whispers, frowning.

Buffy groans, as she takes a last ditch effort by slamming her body into Warren’s, her hands reaching around the guys waist, as they fall back onto the bags of money.  Feeling the bag, she yanks it away from him crying out in pain as she slides away from him.  Pulling the orbs out of the pouch, she looks up into Warren’s shocked eyes.  Slamming them together, she growls as they break apart.  Slowly trying to stand, she drops back to the ground for a moment, trying to catch her breath. 

“Fucking bitch!  This isn’t the last of it.”  Warren snarls as he runs over to the car, yanking on the jet pack strapping it on as Buffy slowly stands trying to make it over to him.  “We’ll meet again, Slayer.  As for you, Jonathan?”  Warren turns his gaze towards Jonathan.  “Better pray that I don’t find you.” 

Buffy watches in disbelief as Warren takes off into the air, flying away.  “No, way.”  She whispers, dropping back to her knees, grasping her ribs. 

“Is there anything I can do?”  Jonathan questions as he runs up beside the slayer, frowning at the pale woman. 

“Get the fuck away from me.”  Buffy snarls.  “You better plan on being on your best behavior, because this is your last get out of jail card, Jonathan.  Call the cops, explain to them that you came across the armored car being robbed, that a concerned citizen was able to knock out one of the robbers, and scared the other one away.  All that money better still be here when the cops arrive, understand me?”  Buffy slowly stands, her arm tight against her ribs, as she stares Jonathan down.

“Go, Buffy.  I’ll call the cops.”  Jonathan whispers defeated as he slowly walks back to the car.  Tying Andrew up before pulling the cell phone out of the car, Jonathan calls the police.

Buffy slowly walks away, heading towards the house, listening as Jonathan calls in the attempted robbery.  Her body hunched over her ribs protectively as she makes her way as quickly as possible towards her house, silently praying that she doesn’t run into any trouble on the way.

***

Chapter 21

Tara stirs the stew before trying a bite, frowning as she tries to figure out what it needs.  Adding a little more pepper and onion salt, she stirs the stew meditatively for a few minutes, until all of a sudden Phoenix starts barking and howling at the front door.  Dropping the spoon, she runs out of the kitchen towards the door as Anya comes flying down the stairs from where she’d went up to use the bathroom. 

Throwing the door open Tara groans as the slayer practically collapses in her arms.  “Goddess!”  Tara cries, trying to hold the woman up, so she doesn’t hit the floor.  “Anya!”

“I’m here.”  Anya wraps her arms around the slayer, helping Tara move the slayer towards the couch.  “Where are you hurt?”  Anya questions, as they lay Buffy gently on the couch. 

“Phoenix, go lay down, please!”  Tara hoarsely states to the puppy that’s running around, growling and whimpering.  With a shaking hand, Tara brushes the hair away from Buffy’s face, frowning at the bruised, swollen cheek and the blackening eye.  “Where are you hurt, Buffy?”  Tara questions the obviously disoriented slayer. 

“Ribs mostly.”  Buffy finally whispers, her eyes closing.

“Anya?”  Tara questions as she pushes Buffy’s shirt up out of the way.

“I’m on it.”  Anya jumps up, running to get the first aid kit, pain pills and ice.

“Buffy, I can use my powers to help heal you, but there are side effects.”  Tara looks up into the slayer’s pain-filled eyes.

“What?”  Buffy swallows, closing her eyes briefly as the pain shoots through her side. 

“To heal you properly, it will link us in a way.  It‘ll also take quite a bit of my power to heal you completely.”  Tara frowns, trying to think of how to explain it.

“No.”  Buffy states adamantly.  “I’ll heal on my own with the slayer healing.  Don’t drain yourself for this.”  Buffy whimpers loudly as she shifts and she feels her ribs shift.   “It’ll probably only take three days give or take for them to heal.”

“Here.”  Anya frowns as she sees the bruising on the slayer’s side.  “Is there any internal damage?”

“I can’t tell.”  Tara admits, biting her lip.  “Buffy, we should get you to the hospital.  There could be more damage than just your broken ribs.”  Tara gently places the ice against the slayer’s ribs.

“I’ll be okay.”  Buffy shakes her head, frowning hard.  “Don’t have the money for the hospital bills.  Wrap them up.” 

“I’ll pay the damn hospital bills.”  Anya growls at the slayer.

“No, you won’t!”  Buffy snarls at the ex-demon.  “I’ll be fine, get me wrapped up, I’ll take a handful of pain pills and crash.  Simple as that!”

“Fucking pain in the ass.”  Tara growls as she yanks some ace bandages out of the first aid kit.  “Anya, can you prop her up while I wrap her?”

Anya nods her head, frowning heavily.  Shifting behind Buffy, she pulls the shirt up to keep it out of the way as Tara gingerly starts wrapping Buffy’s ribs.

“Is this too tight or not tight enough?”  Tara questions the slayer as she wraps her ribs.

“A little tighter might be good.”  Buffy groans as she feels the ribs grating against each other. 

Tara flinches as she hears the pain in Buffy’s voice.  Unwrapping what she’d done, she quickly re-works the wrapping, pulling it snugger as she wraps the slayer’s ribs.  “Better?”

“Perfect.”  Buffy nods her head, closing her eyes as she tries to concentrate on breathing and ignoring the pain shooting through her side. 

Tara finishes wrapping the slayer’s ribs, nodding to Anya to lay the slayer back down.  “Do you want to stay down here, or do you want to try and make it up the stairs to your own bed?”  Tara questions quickly as she opens the pain pills, shaking out five of them into her palm handing them to the shaking slayer before grabbing the water Anya had the foresight to bring with her. 

Buffy pops the pills in her mouth, accepting the glass of water from the witch, her hands shaking so bad from the pain that she splashes the water over her.

“Let me.”  Tara whispers, wrapping her hand over Buffy’s to help steady her, tilting the glass to her lips while watching Buffy quickly swallow the pills.  Putting the glass on the coffee table, Tara looks intently at the slayer.

“Bed, in a little while.”  Buffy murmurs, easing back down on the couch from where she’d shifted up slightly to drink the water. 

Anya works down to the end of the couch, quickly untying the slayer’s Doc Martin’s and gently pulling them off. 

Tara places the ice back on Buffy’s ribs, her hands starting to shake.  “What happened?”  Tara hoarsely whispers looking back at Buffy.

“Warren.”  Buffy rasps.  “Got the orbs, but he got in a couple good shots first.  Jonathan actually helped, but Warren got away with a fucking jet pack.”  Buffy grouses, her eyes closed the pain obvious on her face. 

“Rest for now, Buffy.  Is there anything you need?”  Tara questions softly, her hand stroking the hair off the slayer’s forehead to gently cup her cheek, surprised as Buffy presses her face into her hand. 

“No, thank you.”  Buffy whispers as she allows herself to enjoy the witch’s soft caresses. 

“I’ll go put up the stew.  I don’t think any of us are going to be eating tonight.”  Anya clasps her hands on Tara’s shoulders, smiling down at the witch tilting her head knowingly towards the slayer.

Tara looks towards Buffy, seeing the closed eyes and the way she’s pressing in against her caress.  Looking back up at Anya, she sighs nodding her head in acceptance that Buffy obviously does care. 

“You fixed stew?”  Buffy questions hoarsely.

“Stew and a big salad.”  Tara admits softly, brushing her thumb over the slayer’s cheek for a few moments before easing her hand away.  “Let me get a wash cloth and wipe some of the dirt off your face.  Would you like some juice, or something?”

Slowly opening her eyes, Buffy nods her head.  “Juice would be great.”  As Tara goes to stand, Buffy reaches for her hand, grasping it gently.  “Sorry for being a bitch earlier.”

“Don’t worry about it, Buffy.”  Tara smiles softly down at the slayer.  “Let me go get the cloth and your juice.”

Buffy sighs as she closes her eyes, smiling as she feels a warm tongue lick over her hand.  “Come to see how I am now that Tara’s disappeared, huh?  She wasn’t mad at you Phoenix.  She just wanted to make sure I’m okay.”  Buffy scratches the puppy’s head gently.

Tara watches as Buffy pets Phoenix.  As Phoenix looks at her, she smiles at the puppy before walking completely into the living room.  “Here, Phoenix.”  Tara kneels besides the couch, handing Phoenix a piece of Beggin’ Strips that the dog loves before gently wiping the slayer’s face clean.  Placing the damp cloth aside, Tara reaches for the juice.  Placing the straw in the slayer’s mouth, she smiles as Buffy quickly drinks the juice. 

“Thank you.”  Buffy whispers, finally opening her eyes searching the witch’s worried eyes.  “I’ll be okay, honestly.”

“Did you damage anything else with the broken ribs?”  Tara questions softly.  “You didn’t puncture a lung or anything else, did you?”

“No, I’m pretty sure I didn’t.  I’m not having any other pain from that area, except for the ribs themselves.”  Buffy admits, as she raises her other hand to wipe it across her eyes. 

“Are you hurt elsewhere, besides the shiner you have?”  Tara smiles crookedly at the slayer, finally allowing herself to relax a tiny bit.

“No, not really.”  Buffy sighs quietly, her eyes closing.

“Here’s an ice pack for her face.”  Anya hands it to Tara, smiling gently at the witch.  “How long will it take for the pain pills to kick in?”

“Soon, hopefully.”  Buffy whimpers as she shifts slightly on the couch. 

“Try and stay still.”  Tara admonishes quietly as she gently lays the ice pack on Buffy’s cheek, looking up at Anya.  Reaching up, Tara grasps the ex-demon’s hand, squeezing gently. 

“Would you be more comfortable upstairs?”  Anya frowns looking at the slayer lying on the couch. 

“Probably.”  Buffy admits, slowly opening her pain filled eyes.  “I just don’t think I can make it up the stairs.”

“We could carry you.”  Anya suggests looking from Buffy to Tara.  “Couldn’t we do one of those chair things with our arms, carrying her up the stairs?  She’s going to need to get up there anyway, if she needs to use the bathroom.”

“We could.  She doesn’t weigh anything.”  Tara turns to Buffy, watching her intently.  “Even with carrying you, your ribs are going to probably get jostled.  Want to go now, wait for the pills to kick in, or wait until you have to go up the stairs?”

Buffy frowns as she thinks for a moment.  “I don’t want to make you two carry me.  I’ll probably be able to make it up the stairs later.”

“Buffy!”  Tara growls the slayer’s name.  “We can carry you!  It’s not a big deal.  So, do you want to wait for the pills to kick in, or go now that way you can rest comfortably in your own bed?”

Anya bites back a laugh as the two women stare each other down.  “Forget it!  Your choices just disappeared.  Tara, try and shift around the other side of Buffy.”  Anya gently pulls the ice packs away from the snarling slayer, setting them on the coffee table.  Waiting for Tara to ease her leg on Buffy’s other side.  Both women gently ease an arm around the slayer’s back and the other under her legs.  “Ready?”  Anya questions softly, over Buffy’s protestations.

“One, two, three.”  Both women gently lift the slayer as Anya and Tara shift slowly from the couch.  “Sorry, sweetie.”  Tara murmurs as she hears Buffy grunt in pain as she’s shifted. 

“It’s okay.”  Buffy whimpers, wrapping her arms around the two women’s backs as they carefully carry her up the stairs.  

“Do you need to use the bathroom now, before we take you to your room?”  Tara questions as they reach the top of the stairs.

“Uhh.”  Buffy blushes deeply.

“Bathroom.”  Anya states calmly as the three women slowly work their way into the bathroom.  “Can you do this on your own, or do you need help?” 

“I’ll figure it out on my own.”  Buffy grumbles, frowning.

Tara sighs as she and Anya gently set the slayer on her feet.  Not giving the slayer a chance, Tara nods to Anya before sliding her hands down to quickly unbutton and unzip the slayer’s pants.  “I’m closing my eyes to help protect your sensibilities.  Anya, can you do the same?” 

“Of course.”  Anya smiles at Tara before closing her eyes, while holding onto Buffy.

Buffy blushes even more as Tara closes her eyes, as she gently eases her pants and panties down, before standing, helping Buffy to sit on the toilet. 

“We’ll go outside to give you some privacy.”  Anya reaches ahead, grasping Tara’s hand as the two slowly make their way out of the bathroom with minimal banging into things.

Buffy sighs quietly after the two women leave, shutting the door behind them.  “This is absolutely embarrassing.”  Buffy grumbles before relaxing enough to use the bathroom, sighing in relief.  Quickly finishing, Buffy flushes the toilet before trying to stand, crying out in pain as she twists her body, making her ribs grate against each other painfully.

“Buffy!  We’re coming in.”  Tara yells, hearing Buffy cry out, her and Anya come barreling into the bathroom.  “Tried doing it yourself, didn’t you?”  Tara states more than questions as she and Anya help Buffy to stand before Tara quickly pulls Buffy’s pants and panties up, leaving the pants undone, figuring she’d probably end up taking them off anyway.  “Bedroom.”  Tara nods towards Anya as they lift Buffy, quickly carrying her to the bedroom carefully maneuvering to yank the covers down before lying Buffy down gently. 

“Do you want to bother with sleepwear, or just sleep in your underwear?”  Anya questions as she pulls off the slayer’s socks, her hands quickly shifting up to slide her pants down over her legs.

Tara sighs quietly at Buffy looks away, blushing in embarrassment.  “Buffy, there’s no need to be embarrassed.”  Tara eases the slayer’s shirt off.  “Do you want a nightshirt?”

“Please.”  Buffy states shortly, clenching her teeth tightly as the two women gently take her clothes off, trying to ignore the soft hands accidentally brushing against her body. 

“There, all situated for the night.”  Anya states calmly as she pulls the covers gently over the slayer. 

“Thank you.”  Buffy keeps her head turned to the side until the two women silently leave her room. 

“Come on, Phoenix.  Let’s go downstairs.”  Tara murmurs softly to the dog.  “If you need anything, yell.”  Tara sighs softly as she leaves the room, following Anya down the stairs.

Tara walks straight to the kitchen, opening the back door for Phoenix to go out before stepping out on the steps, sitting down staring up at the dark sky. 

Anya slowly follows Tara, grabbing the holy water and cross that Tara had given a cursory glance to before continuing to go outside.  “She’ll kick your ass for this when she gets better.”

“Can’t kick my ass for something she doesn’t know about.”  Tara whispers watching the stars twinkle up in the sky.  “She can’t even stand for us to help her or see her unclothed, Anya.”

“No, she can’t stand the thought of needing help, Tara.”  Anya explains.  “She’s stubborn and pigheaded and doesn’t like accepting help.  You know that even better than I do.”  Anya finally sits down behind Tara, placing her legs gingerly on either side of the witch, before wrapping her arms around her waist, hugging her tightly.  “Tell me honestly, wouldn’t you be embarrassed if you were hurting and needed help like she did?”

Tara thinks for a minute, wanting to deny that she’d be embarrassed before groaning and dropping her chin on her chest.  “Don’t make sense, Anya.  I want to be upset and you’re trying to make me see reason.”

Anya chuckles softly, squeezing Tara gently.  “She’ll be better in a couple days.”

“Yeah, but that bastard is still out there, Anya.”  Tara sighs quietly, reaching down to pet Phoenix after she butts her hand.

“Hopefully Jonathan turned him in, like Buffy told him to.”  Anya places a soft kiss on the witch’s neck.  “Come on, let’s go inside.  That way if Buffy yells, we’ll hear her.”

“Okay.”  Tara sighs, allowing a small smile to cross her face as the two women stand, walking into the house.  Stopping at the refrigerator, Tara pulls out another juice for Buffy before turning the kettle on. 

“Take that up to her, I’ll fix you another mug of tea.  Any special requests?”  Anya questions as she grasps Tara’s mug before reaching up for the tea bags.

“Whatever you make is fine.”  Tara watches Anya for a moment as the woman sets down the tea bags, turning to look at her.  “Thank you.”  Tara whispers, wrapping the woman up in a tight hug, kissing her softly on the neck. 

“You’re welcome.”  Anya hugs Tara back, chuckling softly.  “I love you, and as soon as Buffy’s aware enough, we’re having a discussion.”

“We’ll see.”  Tara rubs her cheek over Anya’s shoulder, enjoying the hug before pulling back slightly, placing a soft kiss on her lips.  Groaning quietly as Anya gently deepens the kiss, softly stroking their tongues against one another before bringing the kiss to a soft series of light presses.  “Goddess, I love you.”  Tara whispers tilting her head against Anya’s.

“Go check on the disgruntled slayer.”  Anya brushes her hand down Tara’s neck, smiling as Tara closes her eyes. 

“Okay.”  Tara sighs smiling softly before grabbing the juice and slowly heading towards Buffy’s room, chuckling as she sees Phoenix curled up on the end of Buffy’s bed. 

Buffy glances towards the door as Tara comes in with some juice, watching her silently as she sets it down on the nightstand within reach before slowly backing out of the room. 

“Let me know if she bothers you and I’ll make her come out.”  Tara offers quietly before turning and heading down the hallway to go downstairs.

Buffy sighs silently as she slowly reaches for the juice, shifting the straw so it bends at the proper angle so she can slowly sip it with minimal fuss and movement.  As she starts to feel a little woozy, the pain pills finally kicking in, Buffy sets the juice down pulling the covers more firmly around her neck as she smiles at the warmth of Phoenix lying at her feet.  “I’m crazy, aren’t I, Phoenix?  They’re just being helpful, nothing more, right?”  Buffy chuckles as Phoenix slowly works her way up the bed to lay down gently beside her.  Rubbing her hand over the dog’s head, Buffy sighs quietly.  “What do you think, Phoenix?  Is there something there with those two? Or is Tara just being her usual caring self and Anya being helpful?”  Carefully shifting her body to try and get a little more comfortable, Buffy allows the pain pills to finally do their job, slowly falling out of consciousness. 

***

Anya smiles as she sets the tea down beside Tara.  “How’s grumpy?”

Tara shrugs as she picks up her tea.  “She didn’t say anything.  Phoenix is lying on the bed with her.  I figure the pain pills should be kicking in anytime, so she’ll probably be snoozing before long.”  Tara blows gently over the cup before sipping the tea.

“What are you wanting to do tonight?  Because we need to do something to get your mind off grumpy butt upstairs.”  Anya sits down beside Tara, patting her gently on the leg.

“Got anything in mind?”  Tara questions, quirking her lip at the shopkeeper. 

“I know one thing that keeps your brain from working too hard.”  Anya wiggles her eyebrows at the witch, before chuckling. 

“Got that right.”  Tara admits, laughing quietly as she sets down her tea, tilting her head against Anya’s shoulder.  “You definitely have a tendency to make me forget anything and everything but what you’re doing to me.”

“When I put my mind to it.  Sometimes I don’t want you to be that out of it.”  Anya admits.  “I kind of like having you still comprehensive.  I kind of really like the wicked things you do back.”  Anya admits kissing the top of Tara’s head as she gently eases her arm around the witch, hugging her gently.

“I love you, sweetie.”  Tara murmurs as she closes her eyes taking a deep cleansing breath.

“I love you, too.”  Anya smiles.  “Do you think if we went upstairs you might be able to rest?”

“I might be able to crash just from the emotional turmoil.”  Tara admits quietly.

“Finish your tea, then we’ll go upstairs and see if you can’t get some sleep.”  Anya offers softly. 

“Just sleep?”  Tara questions seriously.

“If that’s all you want, which I figure you‘re confused and upset enough without throwing us into the mix tonight.”  Anya presses her lips to Tara’s cheek after the witch shifts. 

“Thanks, honey.”  Tara sighs as she grasps the mug, sipping the tea as she quietly watches Anya turn everything off but the light by the end of the couch before checking the door and heading into the kitchen to check the back door.  Finishing the tea, Tara turns off the light at the end of the couch before taking her mug into the kitchen, placing the mug in the sink as she hugs Anya after she locks the back door. 

Anya hugs Tara back gently.  “Let’s get you upstairs and ready for bed.”  Anya whispers into Tara’s ear before releasing the witch, clasping her hand in hers as they make their way upstairs to Tara’s bedroom.

“I’m going to look in on Buffy before coming to bed.”  Tara offers quietly as she stops outside the slayer’s room.

“See you in a few minutes.”  Anya watches as Tara gently pushes the door the rest of the way open, walking into the slayer’s room.  Silently Anya goes to the bathroom, doing her nightly ritual before walking to the bedroom.

***

Tara sighs quietly as she looks at Phoenix glance up at her from where she’s lying against the sleeping slayer’s side.  “You probably aren’t supposed to be up there, but I’m not going to argue.”  Tara softly tells the puppy before looking at an obviously sleeping slayer.  Reaching down, Tara brushes the hair from the slayer’s forehead, looking at her worriedly.  Placing the pain pills beside the half bottle of juice, in case Buffy wakes up needing them, Tara turns her gaze back on the slayer.  Watching her for a few minutes, Tara finally brushes the back of her fingers against the slayer’s cheek before turning and leaving the slayer’s room, walking down to her bedroom, smiling as she watches Anya slowly strip her clothes off before pulling on a silky negligee.  Smiling at the ex-demon’s predilection for the sexy sleepwear, Tara gently shuts the door. 

“She okay?”  Anya questions as she folds down the covers, climbing in between the sheets and propping her head up on her hand as she watches Tara change.

Tara slides her shorts on before unhooking her bra, pulling it off to toss in the hamper as she digs around for one of her tank tops to pull on.

Anya bites her lip as Tara’s breasts sway gently as she leans over the dresser drawer.  Turning her gaze to Tara’s butt, she rolls her eyes.  “Like that’s any help.”  Anya grumbles as she plops down on her back, looking up at the ceiling.

“What was that, honey?”  Tara questions as she slides the drawer shut, pulling the tank top on as she walks to the bed, turning the light off before climbing in beside Anya.

“Just made the mistake of watching you change.”  Anya grins at Tara, her eyes twinkling. 

“Hmmm.  Liked what you saw?”  Tara turns on her side to look at Anya.

“Always.”  Anya admits quietly, reaching up to tuck some loose hair behind Tara’s ear.  “I never realized the absolutely sexy, gorgeous, voluptuous, kick ass body you were hiding all these years.”  Anya grins as Tara blushes, looking down.  “I can talk about doing all kinds of nasty wicked things with you and it doesn’t make you look twice, I say that and you blush.  You are one strange woman, Tara Maclay.”

“Not just say, but do.”  Tara chuckles as she eases her body in against Anya’s.  Wrapping her arm around Anya’s waist as she tucks her head in against her shoulder, Tara sighs softly.  “And yes, I know I’m strange.”  Tara grumbles before snuggling further into her lover as Anya wraps her arms around her hugging her against her side.

“Go to sleep, Tara.”  Anya whispers kissing Tara on the head. 

“I love you, Anya.”  Tara whispers as she shifts her body around, burying her face in Anya’s neck before kissing the skin within reach.

“I love you, too.”  Anya smiles, squeezing the witch gently as she finally feels Tara starting to relax.

***

Chapter 22

Anya finishes fixing breakfast, placing a couple plates in the oven to keep warm while taking one piled high plate, placing it on a tray before opening the back door to let Phoenix back in.  “Be quiet, Phoenix.  Pretty much everyone else is still asleep, okay?”  Anya chuckles as Phoenix wags her tail and heads towards her food bowl.  Placing the large glass of juice on the tray and making sure she has everything else, she slowly carries the tray up the stairs gently pushing the door open to the slayer’s bedroom. 

Smiling as she looks at the slayer rubbing her face as she wakes up.  “Here’s breakfast.  I don’t think I’m quite up to par to Tara’s cooking, but I don’t usually ruin breakfast food.”  Anya explains quietly as she sets the tray down on the dresser before going over to help prop Buffy up.  “How are your ribs this morning?”

“Sore.”  Buffy admits, grunting as she shifts up, wincing at the pain shooting through her body.  “Better than last night, I can probably maneuver around by myself today.”

“Don’t push it.  Rest is the order of the day.”  Anya tucks the covers into the slayer before turning back to grab the tray, carefully placing it across the slayer’s lap as she sits down on the edge of the bed, holding it steady. 

“I could eat downstairs.”  Buffy grumbles as she stabs a sausage link, shoving it in her mouth.

“Stop bitching.”  Anya stares the slayer down as the hazel eyes shoot up in surprise.  “You and I need to have a very serious talk.  And I think it’s about time for that to happen.”

“Anya!”  Tara hisses from the doorway as she pulls the robe around her tying the sash.

“Go downstairs and eat your breakfast.  I left it in the oven to keep it warm.”  Anya stands looking into Tara’s angry blue eyes.  “I’m done with pussy footing around.  Watching you tying yourself up in knots, if you aren’t doing it to yourself, Buffy’s doing it with her being bitchy or ignoring us.  How many times in the last three weeks have you come over so damn tense that you couldn’t sleep?  I said when this was over with Warren this discussion was going to happen.  For all intents and purposes it’s done.  It’s my turn, so go downstairs.”

“I might as well pack my stuff now.”  Tara growls spinning around on her heel heading back to her bedroom and slamming the door.

“What the hell are you talking about?”  Buffy snarls after she hears the bedroom door slam as Anya turns back to look at her.

“This is about all the damn looks back and forth and the fact that you definitely care about Tara.  Hell, the fact that you actually love her.  The fact that I think you care about me and may even like me more than just a friend.”  Anya starts quickly, picking up the tray placing it on the nightstand as she sits back down right beside Buffy, staring her in the eyes.  “It’s about this.”  Anya growls angrily, quickly placing both hands on either side of Buffy’s face, capturing the slayer’s lips in a heated kiss.  Quickly sliding her tongue in the slayer’s unresisting mouth, swirling her tongue around Buffy’s, groaning as Buffy finally starts to respond to the kiss, gently stroking back as a tentative hand reaches up to cup Anya’s neck.

Buffy whimpers quietly as Anya finally pulls away from the surprisingly intoxicating kiss. 

Anya watches Buffy intently as the slayer’s eyes slowly open, surprise, wonder and a hint of fear showing in their depths.  “You love Tara.  I know this for a fact.  You two have been dancing around each other for months.  You running hot and cold has been tearing her up inside.  And then there’s fact that she feels guilty as hell about loving you at the same time she loves me.  I’m not going to deny the fact, that I think you are an extremely sexy, wonderful, beautiful person, Buffy.  I’ve come to care about you deeply, and given half a chance I could come to love you also.”   Anya watches as the tears slowly come to Buffy’s eyes as Anya explains about how it’s been bothering Tara, and as Buffy tries to shift her face away, she grabs hold of her head more firmly holding it in place making her keep eye contact.  “Now, you’ve got a few choices here, Buffy.  You can decide to just stay friends with us, but there will be no more of this flirting one moment and the cold shoulder the next.  It’s driving Tara crazy.  Hell, the few times you’ve done it to me it drives me nuts!  And I’m not even around you a third of the time Tara is!  You can decide you can’t deal, and Tara will move out and move in with me.  We’ll remain friends, helping you out as much as we can but we won’t be coming over here except as you need us.  Or, we can become a threesome in the truest sense of the word.  Spending time together, going out on dates together and making love together.” 

Anya drops her hands, reaching for the slayer’s food, placing it back on her lap before looking up into the slayer’s eyes, seeing the confusion written all over her.  “Think about it, Buffy.  Let us know what you decide.”  Anya stands, walking towards the door.

Buffy’s eyes follow Anya.  “Anya?”  Buffy whispers softly, watching as Anya turns back to look at her, a calm look on her face, but a lot of emotion showing in her brown eyes.  “Tell me I’m not dreaming.”  Buffy bites her lips, the tears starting to fall.  “Please tell me I’m not imagining this and I’m going to wake up in a few minutes and this be my imagination playing tricks on me.”

“It’s not a dream, Buffy.  No tricks, no imagination.  Just the truth.”  Anya explains softly, walking back to the shocked slayer, taking the tray back from the slayer’s unresisting hands, practically dropping it on the nightstand.  Reaching for Buffy, Anya helps her out of the bed.  “I think you might want to talk with Tara.”  Anya whispers, brushing a hand over the slayer’s cheek. 

“If I wake up and this is another dream, I’m going to do what I should have done last time.”  Buffy jokes, wiping the tears from her face before wrapping her arms around Anya hugging her gently.

“Dreaming about us?”  Anya questions, finally allowing a chuckle to escape from her lips.

“Yeah.  Damn thing ended before the pay off.  And if you two are half as hot as the dream, I’m going to be an extremely happy woman.”  Buffy laughs then groans as she grabs her ribs.

“There’ll be plenty of pay offs from now on.  But you have some serious apologizing to do to Tara.”  Anya states seriously as she looks into worried hazel eyes.

“Oh, God!”  Buffy whimpers at the thought.  “She probably hates me.” 

“No, she loves you.”  Anya explains softly.  “That’s why it’s been so rough on her.  Go talk to her, Buffy.  Better yet, go in there and kiss her ‘til she can’t see straight.”

Buffy blushes looking down before Anya tilts her face back up, leaning in to kiss her again.  Buffy can’t help but ease her body in closer to the shopkeeper as she deepens the kiss, battling gently against the shopkeeper’s tongue, before groaning as Anya sucks gently on the tip before releasing it, placing another soft kiss on her lips.

“Damn.”  Anya blinks a couple times.  “Go, Buffy.  She’s probably packing her bags right now thinking I’ve gone and screwed everything up.”

“Surely not.”  Buffy looks in surprise at the woman before heading towards the door after Anya nods her head seriously. 

Anya follows Buffy to the hallway, watching as the slayer gently pushes the door open to the bedroom.  Smiling Anya turns and quickly strides downstairs to give the two women some time to get things situated.

***

Buffy swallows hard as she eases the door open, hesitating for a moment as she sees Tara standing at the window, her shoulders slumped and her head bowed.  Slowly walking towards the witch, Buffy watches her intently.

“So, should I start packing?”  Tara questions without turning around to look at who was walking up behind her.

Buffy gently reaches out for the witch, placing her hands on the slumped shoulders.  “I certainly hope you aren’t planning on moving out.”  Buffy whispers hoarsely, noticing how the witch tensed quickly when she started speaking.

Tara bites her lip as she slowly turns around, looking apprehensively at the slayer.

“I’m sorry.”  Buffy watches as Tara’s brow furrows in confusion.  “For being a bitch, for not being able to make up my own mind, for being stupid...”  Buffy explains softly before sliding one hand around the witch’s neck.  “Anya suggested this, and I’m thinking it’s a pretty damn good idea.”  Buffy breathes out the words before leaning up the short distance, capturing Tara’s lips with hers kissing her softly.

Tara stands there not responding as the surprise of having Buffy’s lips on hers finally abates she realizes Buffy’s kissing her.  Moaning into the caress, Tara presses in more firmly, wrapping her arms gently around Buffy’s waist as she eases her body against the slayer’s.  As she teasingly sneaks her tongue out to trace over Buffy’s lips, growling as Buffy slides her mouth open, granting her entrance.  Quickly slipping in, Tara swirls her tongue over and around Buffy’s while sliding one hand up to cup the slayer’s neck.  As she tilts her head for a more fitted contact, stroking more firmly in the slayer’s mouth, flicking her tongue repeatedly against Buffy’s before slowly bringing the kiss to an end.  Tara places soft kisses over the slayer’s panting mouth, working her way across her jaw.  Sucking the slayer’s earlobe in her mouth, Tara closes her eyes as she finally releases the flesh, dropping her head on the slayer’s shoulder. 

“I’m not dreaming, right?”  Buffy pants heavily, as she tries to catch her breath.  “Anya swore to me I wasn’t dreaming, but I want to hear you say it.”

“Goddess, I hope you’re not dreaming.  Because if you’re dreaming, so am I.”  Tara admits quietly, finally allowing a smile to cross her face as she gently eases away to look into Buffy’s happy hazel eyes.  Brushing her thumb over the slayer’s cheek, Tara smirks as Buffy closes her eyes leaning into the caress.  “You need to go lay back down, sweetie.  I know you’re hurting.”

Buffy slowly opens her eyes.  “What was the healing thing you wanted to do?”  Buffy questions softly.

“You willing for me to do it now?”  Tara’s lips curl up in a half smile at the slayer.

“Depends.”  Buffy smirks at the witch.  When Tara raises an eyebrow in silent question, Buffy chuckles, before groaning and grasping her ribs.  “Is there a chance I’ll be getting more smoochies from you and Anya if I’m healed?”

“I’m sure that can be arranged.”  Tara chuckles at the slayer.  “Come on, lay down.  I need to go downstairs.”  Tara urges Buffy over to the bed, helping her ease into her bed.  “Need anything else?”

“No.  I think I’m going to be okay now.”  Buffy admits, smiling as Tara laughs as she walks out of the room.  “And if this is a dream, I’m just going to shoot myself and be done with it!”  Buffy growls as she shifts in the bed, getting more comfortable.

***

Tara quickly walks down the stairs, glancing in the living room before walking into the kitchen, smiling as she sees Anya standing at the sink, sipping on a cup of coffee as she looks out the window.  Gently sliding her arms around her waist, Tara places a kiss on her neck.  “Thank you.”

“Everything all right now?”  Anya sets her mug down, placing her hands on Tara’s arms, squeezing gently. 

“We still need to talk and discuss things, but I feel like a huge weight has been lifted, and I owe you for that.”  Tara squeezes Anya gently.

“You don’t owe me anything.  There will be a lot of talking, discussing and apologizing before this is over, but as long as we can talk it out we’ll be okay.”  Anya smiles as she turns in Tara’s arms, hugging the witch. 

“Goddess!  I thank Her every day for you asking me out on that date.”  Tara whispers as she slides a hand to the back of Anya’s head, threading her fingers through her hair before diving in for a deep, forceful kiss.  Nipping on Anya’s playful tongue for a few minutes before finally breaking away to breathe. 

“That was a brilliant move on my part.”  Anya admits, smirking.

Tara chuckles, hugging Anya tightly.  “Come upstairs, I want to heal Buffy’s ribs now that she’ll consider me doing it.”

“Can you use some of my energy so it won’t drain you completely?”  Anya questions, aware that healing is one of the most draining and intense spells there are.

“Actually, yes.”  Tara smiles at the ex-vengeance demon.  “You know what this will do, right?”

“It’ll link you to a certain degree.  Not as much as it would have last night, since the healing has already started, but there will still be some awareness between you two of what the other is feeling.”  Anya states calmly as they walk up the stairs.

“Not just us two, all three of us if you’re helping.”  Tara smiles at the woman.  “So, no matter what, there’s going to be some awareness of the other two in our mix.”

“That’s fine.”  Anya nods her head as she follows Tara into the witch’s bedroom, smiling at Buffy who seems to have dozed off in the few minutes Tara was gone.  “So, did she kiss you senseless?”

“She worked on it.”  Tara chuckles as she sits down on the edge of the bed, brushing her hand over the slayer’s cheek, watching as the eyelids flutter and hazel eyes come into focus.  “I mentioned this last night, but I want to tell you again.  The healing will link us to a certain degree.  An awareness of what the others are feeling.  It won’t be as strong as it would have been if I’d done it last night, but it will still be there.  Will that be okay?”

Buffy slowly smiles as she looks from Tara and Anya.  “No dreaming?”  

“What is it with the dreaming?”  Tara frowns looking at Buffy.

“It seems the petite little slayer has been having naughty dreams about us.”  Anya smirks at a blushing Buffy.  “And obviously at least one of them seemed very, very real.”

“You have no idea.”  Buffy grumbles looking down at the comforter, as she blushes even redder. 

Tara laughs quietly.  “Well, let’s get you healed and see about dreams coming true.” 

Buffy’s head snaps up in surprise before she closes her eyes and whimpers quietly.  “Have a fire hose ready, I’m probably going to spontaneously combust, then.”

Anya snorts, watching the slayer.  “Let’s get her healed, that way she can finish eating the rest of her breakfast and we can eat.  Then I suggest we might actually want to sit down and talk about things.”

“Healing first.”  Tara nods her head in agreement, smiling as Anya places her hands on her shoulders.  Tara runs her hands down Buffy’s side, coming to rest over the busted ribs, opening herself, smiling gently as she feels Anya already open, what magical ability she has available for her to use.  “Done this before?”

“A long time ago.”  Anya answers quietly, her eyes watching Buffy.  “Try and open yourself, Buffy.  Allow her to come in, the easier you make this on her, the less power she’ll need to use of her own.”

“You’re right.”  Tara whispers, thinking about it.  “If you are willing to open yourself completely to me, I can use your own healing abilities to make you heal without using hardly any of mine or Anya’s powers.  I’ll still need to cycle them through me, but it won’t drain us.” 

“What do I need to do?”  Buffy questions looking at the two women.

“Take down that wall you keep around yourself.”  Tara smiles crookedly at the slayer.  “That mental wall that you use to guard yourself against demons sensing you, and the wall you use to keep your emotions in check.”

“I’m not sure I can.”  Buffy admits quietly.  “I’ve had them in place so long…”  Buffy sighs quietly.  “Let me try.”  Buffy closes her eyes relaxing, going back to how Giles had told her to put the wall in place, working on reversing the process.

After roughly a half hour, Tara jerks as Buffy pulls the wall down, the mystical energy coming off the slayer in waves. 

“Shit!”  Anya whispers, her eyes opening wide in surprise as she feels Buffy’s energy.  “Damn good thing she has that wall.”

“Goddess!”  Tara whimpers, quickly tying herself to the slayer’s energy, looping it through her and Anya before sending it back in concentrated form to the slayer’s ribs, sensing as they knit back together, the bruising and swelling disappearing in record time.  Slowly tapering off the energy, Tara allows the rest of it to cycle through towards the rest of Buffy’s bruises and scrapes before shutting down the connection completely.  “Close yourself back off.”  Tara whispers, shaking uncontrollably.  Turning her gaze towards Anya who finally plops down on the bed beside her, the shock she’s feeling mirrored in Anya’s eyes. 

Anya blinks as she tries to stop her own shaking, her eyes looking into surprised blue eyes.  “You didn’t have any idea?”

“None.”  Tara shakes her head, running a shaking hand through her hair before looking back at a confused looking Buffy.  “The power you have is unbelievable, Buffy.  Goddess, I could probably use your healing ability to heal other people and it not even make a dent in the stores of energy you have.  Let alone being able to tap into it for spells.” 

“Is that a good thing?”  Buffy frowns watching the two women.  “And why are you two shaking like you’re on drugs or something?”

“That’s pretty much a good analogy.”  Tara places her shaking hands on her thighs, taking deep cleansing breaths to try and calm her body down.  “You pretty much gave us a very serious charge, and the link is going to be stronger than I realized.”  Tara closes her eyes allowing her happiness and how much she loves these two women to come out from behind her own walls.

“Wow.”  Buffy and Anya both whisper at the same time as they can actually feel how much Tara loves them both, the caring and complete trust she has in them. 

“If you concentrate, you will be able to feel how the other person is feeling.  We all use our walls.  I’m assuming since Anya was a demon, she already has her walls in place.  I do because of my magical ability, Buffy because of her being the slayer.  With our walls in place, it shouldn’t bleed over to the other two.  IF Buffy takes down her walls, without us being prepared, we’re probably going to have the same reaction.”  Tara explains quietly.  “Now that we know what we’re in for, we can filter it so it’s not such a strong dose.”

“She probably wouldn’t take her walls down unless she has a very good reason, anyway.”  Anya offers softly.  “She’s never taken them down in the whole time I’ve known her, or I would have known.”

“No, I keep them pretty much under lock and key.”  Buffy admits, frowning.  “How can I do what you did?”  Buffy looks at Tara.

“Let us know how you feel?”  Tara makes sure she’s understanding what Buffy’s asking.  “Just open your heart to us, letting yourself think about us.”  Tara explains, shrugging.  Then whimpers quietly as Buffy opens herself, allowing both women to feel the confusion she’d felt, the hurt, the caring and finally the love.  The strength of her feelings sending little snippets of when Buffy was with either or both women as to how she felt at that particular time.  Then the complete joy that she’s now feeling, as the three women have finally admitted how they feel about each other.

Buffy slowly closes down the connection, biting her lip as she watches Tara and Anya.  The surprise, tears and finally the happy smiles crossing their faces.  Buffy grunts as both women land on top of her hugging her tightly.  “Okay.”  Buffy chuckles.  “I guess I did that right.”

“Very right.”  Tara murmurs softly, pulling back to wipe a tear off her face, smiling as Anya continues to hug Buffy around the waist.  Tara chuckles as Anya finally allows them to feel the caring, and love she feels for both of them before closing her feelings off again.  Patting Anya gently on the back, Tara smiles as Buffy clasps her hand, squeezing gently.  “Come on, you two.  Let’s eat and then let Buffy get cleaned up since she couldn’t do it yesterday.”

“Yes, a shower would be of the good.”  Buffy chuckles as Anya finally releases her.  “Is it okay if I meet you two downstairs?”

“Of course.”  Tara smiles as she watches Buffy practically bounce out of the room, the obvious feeling of happiness and being healed, making a world of difference in the Slayer.

“Looks like I was right.”  Anya smirks knowingly at Tara, chuckling as Tara turns around and kisses her lovingly. 

“Yes, you were.  I guess I’m going to have to make it up to you for ever doubting you.”  Tara laughs quietly before standing.  “Come on.  Let’s head downstairs.  Where’s Phoenix?”  Tara questions looking around expecting to see the puppy.

“She was eating breakfast.  I kind of think she’s tuned into our feelings, so she may be staying out of the way until we get everything situated.”  Anya admits as the two women walk downstairs, laughing as Phoenix barks from where she’s chewing on one of her Nyla bones on the living room floor. 

“You knew what was going on too, didn’t you?”  Tara chuckles at the happy puppy.  “I guess we should eat breakfast before it’s so dried out it’ll be like eating beef jerky.”

“Food is good.”  Anya chuckles, smacking Tara gently on the butt.

Tara laughs, hardly believing what’s happening is happening.  “Goddess, I feel so much better, now.”

“Knew you would.  All that damn shit you were carrying around.  You and Buffy both will do a lot better now!”  Anya chuckles as she tilts her head, thinking.  “And just think about the lovings to come.”  Anya licks her lips lasciviously while leering at the witch. 

“Fun to be had by all involved.”  Tara admits laughing as she pulls the food out of the oven, uncovering the foil wrapped plates, the two women sitting down to eat breakfast in a companionable silence while they wait for Buffy to join them.

***

Chapter 23

Buffy steps into the shower, groaning happily as the hot water beats down on her body.  Enjoying the heat as it seeps into her skin, she smiles at the thought of the two women downstairs that actually care and love her.  “And it isn’t a dream.”  Buffy chuckles as she starts shampooing her hair.  “Maybe that was a slayer dream.  Have to see if it comes true.”  Whistling, Buffy quickly cleans herself before stepping out of the shower.  Drying her body thoroughly before running a towel over her hair, she tosses it in the hamper before brushing the blonde hair, frowning as she looks in the mirror.  “About time for a touch up.”  Buffy grumbles, seeing the roots starting to show.  Grabbing the hair dryer, she dries and styles her hair before finishing the rest of her morning toiletries.  Heading back into her room, she grabs the tray of food, tossing a piece of sausage in her mouth and chewing as she trots down the stairs.

Tara smiles as Buffy places her plate on the island, putting away the tray before plopping down, smirking.  “Feeling better?”

“Feeling unbelievable.”  Buffy admits, starting to scoop up her eggs.

“Here, that’s cold.  Why don’t I heat it up?”  Anya offers, reaching for the plate of food.

“It’s fine.  I’ll eat cold breakfast food from now until the end of time if it’s with you guys.”  Buffy chuckles as she quickly works her way through the plate of food.

“Maybe I should have let you talk with her before this.”  Tara admits looking at Anya, her lips quirked.

“Told you.”  Anya wiggles her eyebrows.  “Dealing with all this pain, heartache, being bitchy…  There was absolutely no need for it!  You guys need to learn to be more open.” 

“Hello!!  Miss Straight over here.  What was I supposed to think?”  Tara grumbles waving her hand towards Buffy.

“Not as straight as you thought.”  Buffy chuckles.  “I think it was on Dawn’s birthday that I started to actually think about things a little more.”  Buffy frowns as she thinks about it.  “Spike made a smart-ass comment about my trying the other side of the fence.  He thought there was something going on between us.”  Buffy looks at Tara a small smile playing on her face. 

Tara blushes looking down at her empty plate.  “He could probably tell I already cared for you in a more than best friend way at the time.”

“Back that far?”  Anya questions as she grabs more juice out of the refrigerator, filling all three women’s glasses. 

“Probably even further back than that.”  Tara admits looking from one woman to the other, shrugging her shoulders. 

“And you weren’t ever going to admit how you felt?”  Buffy looks seriously at Tara.

“No.”  Tara returns Buffy’s gaze.  “You never gave me any kind of sign to begin with that you might like me as more than a friend.  Hell, until recently with Anya’s comments, I thought it was just flirting in a friendly way.  Not that you could possibly care for me.” 

Anya shrugs her shoulders.  “Tried telling her that I would talk to you about this, but she was afraid that it would ruin your friendship.  Then there was the whole me dynamic that was messing with her mind even more.”

“When did you know that she cared about me?”  Buffy questions Anya softly.

“Before our first date.”  Anya states calmly as she sips her juice, looking from one pair of shocked eyes to the other pair.  “What?”

“You knew and you still asked her out?”  Buffy frowns looking at Anya.

Anya chuckles, shaking her head.  “It was when I asked her out, that I figured you liked her.  That quick look of despair and heartache that you covered up quickly kind of tuned me in.  Then the fact that Tara glanced towards you for a moment before accepting my invitation.” 

“I was mentally talking with myself.”  Tara admits running a finger over the top of her glass.  “Deciding to go out on a date with a woman that I cared quite a bit about that was open to a relationship, or pining away after a woman I loved that would never return my feelings.”

“So, see!  You two were being idiots.”  Anya crosses her arms, smirking at the two women.  “Now, I expect lots and lots of orgasms for bringing us three together.”  Anya ducks the hand towel Tara tosses at her, laughing loudly. 

“Like you aren’t already having lots and lots of orgasms.”  Tara grumbles, before smirking at the ex-demon.

“I’m always willing to have more.”  Anya smirks back.

Buffy turns from one woman to the other and back again as they banter back and forth before whimpering quietly.  “I have some serious learning to do, don’t I?” 

Tara chuckles looking at the slayer.  “You have a great learning curve.  I’m sure you’ll catch up in no time.”  Reaching out, Tara gently squeezes the slayer’s shoulder smiling softly at the slayer.  “We’re not just going to throw you on the bed and take advantage of you, sweetie.”

Buffy tilts her head, slowly pouting her bottom lip out.  “You’re not?”  Buffy’s eyes twinkle merrily as Tara blushes lightly before rolling her eyes.

“That’s my girl!”  Anya chortles, smirking at the two women.  “Now we’re talking!!  Let‘s go upstairs, Tara‘s bed is the biggest one.” 

“ANYA!”  Tara yells, blushing deeply.  “Stop that.”  Tara grumbles at the laughing ex-demon.  “I don’t think she’s going to be ready for us to pounce on her.”

“Speak for yourself.”  Buffy murmurs softly.  “I’ve been thinking about you two, fantasizing and pretty much being horny as hell.  You two kissing and hugging and touching has been enough to drive me completely crazy.”

“But, we haven’t…”  Tara looks confused at the slayer.  “We haven’t been all hot and heavy around you, Buffy.”

“Yeah, well…”  Buffy blushes lightly looking down.  “I’ve caught you making out a few times at the store, looking through the window.  Most of the time I head home instead of coming in.”

“So, she’s caught you feeling me up at the store is basically what she’s trying to say.”  Anya looks at Tara, a small smile playing on her face.

“I’m sure it wasn’t just me she caught!”  Tara frowns at Anya. 

“I bet it was.  You always like to play out in the main area.  I usually wait ‘til we’re back in the office, downstairs, or in the training room.”  Anya flutters her eyelashes at the witch, smirking.

“Ummm.”  Buffy bites her lips looking at Tara apologetically.  “It’s usually you I caught with your hands in the cookie jar, per se.” 

“And very talented hands they are.”  Anya pipes up, grinning happily. 

“Goddess!”  Tara murmurs, dropping her head into her hands, whimpering quietly.  “How come I have this feeling I’m going to be in for some serious teasing?”

“Can I ask something?”  Buffy questions hesitantly.

“Of course, sweetie.”  Tara looks up at the slayer glancing towards Anya, smiling as Anya watches Buffy intently.

“How, exactly, is this… us going to work?”  Buffy asks worriedly. 

“I’m assuming you aren’t meaning how the sex portion is going to work, right?”  Anya questions Buffy, tilting her head. 

“Well, that also.  But more of telling Dawn.”  Buffy whispers looking down at the island.  “I have a feeling she might freak.”

Tara sighs quietly, looking from Buffy to Anya and back.  “I don’t know, Buffy.  But I don’t want to hide our relationship.  I went through that before and it bothered me more than I ever let on.”

“I always wondered.”  Buffy smiles apologetically at the witch.  “If I had been there for Willow, she probably would have said something sooner.”

“Don’t blame yourself, Buffy.  If I hadn’t been so afraid of speaking up and stood up for myself it wouldn’t have been a factor.”  Tara allows a small smile to cross her face.  “Then I was also afraid of becoming a demon, so I actually figured I wouldn’t be around for much longer anyway.”  Tara frowns as she thinks about that time.  “I don’t know if I ever told you, but I want to thank you for standing up to my family that day.”  Tara glances up looking at the slayer, her eyes serious.  “You can never know how happy I was that day.  I finally felt like I belonged somewhere.”

“You do belong.  I think without you here the last couple years this group would have imploded.”  Anya reaches across grasping Tara’s hand.  “You mothered us, you were there to listen when we needed an ear, you were the glue that held us together, Tara.”

Buffy nods her agreement, watching as Tara blushes, looking down.  “You do so much for all of us, Tara.  You have literally helped keep me sane since I came back.  I just wish I’d had the foresight to come to you to begin with.”  Buffy stands and walks behind Tara, wrapping her arms around the witch’s waist to hug her gently.  “If I had, I never would have gone to Spike and I might have started getting my head on right a lot sooner.”  Buffy looks at Anya, smiling gently at the woman as she smiles in agreement.  “You see what you do for us?  And that’s barely scratching the surface.”

“Stop.”  Tara sighs in embarrassment, shaking her head lightly.  “And if it wasn’t for all of you, I would be back home with my father and brother.  I think… No, I know I got the better end of the deal.”  Tara places a hand on top of Buffy’s arms while squeezing Anya’s hand that’s still in hers. 

“Okay, enough of this mutual admiration society.  What’s the plans for the day?”  Anya smiles at the two women, her eyes twinkling wickedly. 

“I know what you’re voting for.”  Tara narrows her gaze on the woman.  “We actually need to talk.  Who’s going to break the news to whom.  Or are we all going to sit down with each person individually?  Or just have one big group meeting and throw it out there for everyone to freak out?”  Tara raises a hand to brush across her forehead.  “I have a feeling what we went through with Willow is going to be mild compared to how she’s going to act with this news.”

“Ummm.”  Buffy looks apologetically at Anya before turning her gaze towards Tara and watching as Tara shifts around in her arms frowning at her.  Wincing, Buffy smiles slightly, embarrassment obvious on her face.  “That might be less of a problem than you think.”

“What exactly are you saying here, Buffy?”  Tara blinks her eyes in surprise at the slayer, wondering what she might be talking about.

“Well, after you two broke the news to her and Xander, I kind of went over to her house.”  Buffy starts, moving over to sit down again.  As Tara nods her head to continue Buffy bites her lip.  “She was pissed and angry, wondering how long I knew about you two.  Then when she finally started calming down I kind of went on about my feelings, I wasn’t even aware I was talking out loud.”  Buffy rubs a hand over the back of her neck.  “Long story short... I told her I loved Tara, and that she wasn’t the only one hurting from you two dating.  We had a big yelling match, she told me to leave and that was pretty much it that night.  That’s also the night I found Phoenix.”  Buffy looks down to the lightly snoring puppy, smiling. 

“So, how can you telling her about all three of us having a relationship going to be a good thing?”  Anya questions, frowning heavily.  “Sounds like she’ll freak out even more!”

“That’s not the end of it.”  Buffy admits, a small smile playing on her face.  “When Tara went over to your apartment the first time and was late getting home?”  Buffy looks from one woman to the other, making sure they know what night she’s talking about.  As they nod for her to continue, Buffy sighs.  “I ran into Willow at the Bronze.  She apologized and went on about how we can’t help who we love.  Needless to say I also brought up the fact that I was having very confusing feelings about both of you, not just Tara.  I think I kind of shocked her, but she said she’s there for me, if I need her.  We’ve talked a few more times since then.  That night before I admitted I liked both of you, she actually told me I should tell Tara how I felt.”  Buffy looks up, smiling briefly. 

“Huh.”  Tara blinks in surprise and shock glancing back over to Anya, noticing the shock on her face.  “Well, maybe Willow won’t be a problem.” 

“She might get a little freaked, but I honestly don’t think it’ll be that bad.”  Buffy looks from one woman to the other.  “She’s dating a wonderful, beautiful woman and I think that with Christina being ‘normal’ and not part of the insanity that is our lives is actually good for Willow.”

“It can’t be easy on her dealing with everything.  I know if I had gone back to her, that it would have been hard for her to be around me all the time.  I wouldn’t have done magic around her, but if you’re tuned into the other person, you can sense when they’ve done magic.  And, honestly, that wouldn’t have helped Willow in the long run.”  Tara admits sighing quietly. 

“Kind of a moot point, you couldn’t go back to her, anyway.”  Anya pats Tara’s hands gently.  “I know it shouldn’t, but it still pisses me off that she treated you like she did.’

“You’re not the only one that gets upset when you think about it.  That night when we argued and yelled at each other, I kind of threw what she did to Tara in her face.  That might have been part of what made her a little more understanding when I talked to her the second time.”  Buffy shrugs, watching Tara. 

“She said last night that she’d always love me, but that I did the right thing by breaking up with her.  She even apologized for the things she’d done.”  Tara smiles looking up at Buffy.  “I bet you were the one that made her come to that realization.  She’s back to the woman she was before, Buffy.  And I can honestly say that I consider her my friend.”

“Good.”  Buffy smiles, exhaling a breath she’d partially been holding.  “I really would like for all of us to get along.  How do you think Xander will take it?”

Anya shrugs her shoulders looking at Tara.  “I haven’t a clue.  He shocked the hell out of me with his reaction to Tara and I dating.”

“It was very surprising.”  Tara agrees softly, thinking what would be the best way to tell the group.  “Maybe you would want to talk with Willow.  Since you’ve already discussed your feelings with her regarding us.”  Tara looks at Buffy, tilting her head.  “If you want us to be there with you, we will.  But since she already kind of knows…”  Tara grins lopsidedly at the slayer. 

“I think she’ll be okay.  Maybe I’ll call her later, see if I can come over to see her.”  Buffy agrees to the idea.  “I’m still more worried about Dawn.”

Tara sighs deeply looking at the slayer.  “I don’t know what her reaction will be, Buffy.  She took Anya and I dating okay after the initial shock wore off.  She probably never even entertained the idea of you liking a woman, so it might be a little harder.”

Buffy frowns as she starts thinking, trying to remember something tickling at the back of her mind about Dawn.

“There is one thing I have to say.”  Anya offers quietly, looking seriously at Buffy.  “I have to thank you for not having the guts to ask Tara out.  If you two had admitted your feelings before I was in the picture, I never would have had a chance with either one of you.  So your delaying and fighting it, actually gave Tara a chance to find out she cares for me, also.  And she probably never would have if you’d been together.” 

Tara smiles softly at the ex-demon, reaching over to clasp her hand gently. “I think this was meant to be, Anya.  Things happen for a reason, and maybe we three are meant to be together.  So, no more worries about how we came to be together.  We just accept it and enjoy each other.  How does that sound?”

“I agree wholeheartedly.”  Buffy whispers smiling at the two women.  “This is the Hellmouth after all.  We can’t do things the easy or normal way, now can we?”  Buffy chuckles as the two women roll their eyes. 

“I’m going to go take a shower.”  Anya smiles, standing.  “Then we need to decide how we’re going to spend the day today.  You know what my vote is.”  Anya chuckles before leaning over, placing a gentle kiss on Buffy’s lips before walking over to Tara, giving her a quick kiss. 

Both Buffy and Tara watch Anya sway out of the kitchen before looking back at each other, laughing quietly.  Tara shifts her chair so she’s sitting closer to Buffy.  “What do you want to do today, sweetie?”  Tara questions softly, stroking her fingers through Buffy’s hair. 

“In a way I’d love to do what Anya’s suggestion is.  But in another way, it’s almost too fast.”  Buffy frowns.  “No, it’s not that it’s too fast.”  Buffy looks up into questioning blue eyes before sighing.  “I’m afraid, Tara.  I’ve never been with a woman before, I don’t know what to do or how to act.  I’m afraid I’m going to be one big huge disappointment.” 

“Oh, sweetie.”  Tara stands, wrapping both arms around Buffy, hugging her tightly.  “Just do what feels right, what you’re comfortable with.  If all you want to do is hug, kiss and light touching, we’ll honor your wishes.  Hell, if you want to just be curious, to look, touch, taste, either Anya or I will be more than happy to let you explore.  Just take your time, sweetie.  We don’t have to literally jump right into bed with each other right off the bat.  If you have questions, ask.”

Buffy releases the breath she’d been holding, smiling at Tara.  “I can explore?”  Buffy hesitantly questions, a small smile playing about her lips. 

“Yes.  I believe that may be the best thing for you to do.  Become comfortable with our bodies, since you’re already comfortable with us personally.  You’re just scared of the intimacy of the relationship.”  Tara hugs Buffy before leaning down to kiss her gently.  “There’s going to be a learning curve for all of us, Buffy.  I’ve never had a lover with preternatural strength before.  There are things that will definitely be different because of it.  So, if there’s anything you like or want, you just need to tell either Anya or myself.  Or both of us.”  Tara smirks at the thought.  “There may be things we like having done that is better with two sets of hands instead of one.”

“Huh?”  Buffy looks up confused.  “What do you mean?”

Tara chuckles wickedly stroking a hand down the slayer’s neck.  “Say that I like my breasts being pinched and teased at the same time I want someone to be inside me, an extra hand would be extremely handy to have around right then.”

Buffy blushes as she squeaks out Tara’s name.  “I can’t believe you!  Here I always thought you were sweet and innocent…”  Buffy sighs shaking her head.

“Told you before that I’m not innocent, Buffy.  And just so you’re aware, lovemaking between women isn’t always sweet, soft and slow.  It can be quick and fast, hard and rough, and can take an extremely long time to where you think you’re going to scream for a week if you aren’t given release.  And Anya is very, very good at keeping me on the cusp of orgasm without letting me tip over.”  Tara explains softly, watching as Buffy’s eyes dilate with desire.  “But when she takes it that bit further, it’s a mind blowing experience when you tip over the edge.  That first night she did that to me, I passed out from the immense pleasure.” 

Buffy closes her eyes whimpering deep in her throat feeling her body starting to ache in arousal at the thought of the two women making love, and Anya bringing Tara’s body to a fever pitch of sensation.  “I think I want to explore.”  Buffy finally whimpers out in soft, ragged tones, her eyes opening as she looks at Tara with desire. 

“Good.  I think that would be a wonderful way for you to start.”  Anya chuckles as she walks into the kitchen, brushing her hair.  “Who would you like to explore first?”  Anya questions, tilting her head as she looks from Buffy to Tara, considering the two women for a moment.  “Would it freak you out too much if I watched while you learn Tara’s body?”  Anya questions quietly, thinking about how watching the two women together would be an extremely satisfying and highly arousing sight.

Tara smirks at Anya, before turning her gaze back to a lightly panting slayer, the hazel eyes unfocused.  “Sweetie?”  Tara questions quietly, stroking a thumb over Buffy’s cheek. 

“Definitely be okay.”  Buffy swallows hard, her mind coming back from her own fantasies of what it would be like to watch Tara and Anya making love.  “As long as I get to watch you two sometime?”

“I think that can definitely be arranged.”  Tara smiles before kissing Buffy quickly.  “I’m going to shower, then head to the bedroom.  Meet you two there.”  Tara smiles at the two women as she slowly walks out of the room.

“Anya?”  Buffy questions, her gaze still on the empty doorway Tara disappeared through.

“Yes?”  Anya blinks and turns her gaze towards Buffy.

“Is her body as hot as I think it is?”  Buffy questions, whimpering quietly. 

“The woman has a body to die for.”  Anya admits softly.  “She’s more muscular than I ever imagined, her breasts are absolutely gorgeous, the soft stomach that I can’t ever keep from touching and caressing.”  Anya sighs quietly, closing her eyes.  “The hips… and just wait until you get your first taste of her, Buffy.  The rich musky flavor, then when it turns sweet as she comes.”  Anya growls quietly as she licks her lips at the thought of Tara. 

Buffy blushes deeply at the thought of doing THAT to Tara, before quickly standing as the arousal works heavily through her body.  “I better see if Phoenix needs to go out.”  Buffy calls softly to the dog, opening the back door as the puppy runs out it, barking playfully.

Anya chuckles as she follows Buffy, wrapping her arms around the slayer’s waist as she watches Phoenix play.  “Don’t be afraid, Buffy.  Touch, kiss, lick, suck, nibble on anything you want.  To look at her, you wouldn’t think it, but Tara is very adventurous and willing to try anything you can think up.  It actually surprised me quite a bit, and I’m not surprised easily.”

Buffy nods, leaning back into Anya’s arms, surprised at how comfortable she feels wrapped up in the ex-demon’s embrace.  “Is it so wrong for me to feel this comfortable around you two?  I feel like I’ve come home whenever either one of you hug me.”  Buffy admits quietly.

“No, it isn’t wrong.  It’s something you haven’t had in a very long time that you deserve, Buffy.  We all deserve to be happy, to feel comfortable with the people we love.  Unfortunately it isn’t something we’ve had much of lately.”  Anya explains gently.  “I do love her, Buffy.  More than I ever thought I would.  Over the past month I’ve come to care very deeply for you.  To even love you, which I think is kind of strange myself, with the way we always were around each other.”  Anya chuckles softly.

“The night you stayed here and grabbed my ass was the first time I really paid attention to you, Anya.  Listened to what you weren’t saying, instead of just listening to your words.  I think I realized at that time that there was a lot more to you than I ever realized there was.  I’m sorry for being such a bitch to you in the past.”  Buffy whispers as she turns in the shopkeeper’s arms, wrapping her arms around Anya’s waist. 

“Yeah, well.  Just to let you know, I remember that night.”  Anya finally admits to the slayer, grinning.  “I let Tara know a while ago, but I don’t know if she told you.”

“She didn’t.”  Buffy chuckles hugging Anya tightly.  “So grabbing my ass and Tara’s breasts are a definite cure for what ails a person, huh?” 

“Oh, most definitely.”  Anya laughs quietly, reaching up to tuck a couple strands of hair behind Buffy’s ear, watching the slayer.  “Yes, I do love you, Buffy.”  Anya whispers as she closes the short distance between them, capturing Buffy’s lips in a sweet, gentle kiss, groaning as Buffy takes the initiative to stroke her tongue gently over her lips.  Allowing the slayer entrance, Anya sucks gently on the questing tongue, smiling as she hears the deep groan come from the slayer.  Releasing the muscle, Anya swirls her tongue gently around Buffy’s, for a few long moments, the two women gently battling against each other, before slowly easing back from each other’s lips, breathing heavily. 

“Damn.”  Buffy blinks, whispering the word.  “Kissing is definitely of the good.”

Anya chuckles quietly.  “Wait until Tara gets a hold of you.  That woman kisses better than anyone I’ve ever known.”  Anya laughs as Phoenix comes up to them, panting heavily after playing in the yard.  “I guess Phoenix is ready to go in.  And Tara’s probably finished with her shower.”

Buffy’s eyes widen in trepidation before Anya kisses her again, smiling encouragingly at her.  “Anything?”

“Anything.”  Anya smirks at the slayer.  “You take the urge to nip on her toes, do it!  Anything you want, Buffy.  Trust me on this.” 

Buffy takes a deep calming breath, nodding her head.  “I am so going to look forward to this.” 

“You and me both.”  Anya nibbles her lip.  “If it’s half as hot as I’m thinking it’s going to be…”  Anya shivers, the desire coursing through her. 

“You know, I would have thought you would be jealous, and not want to share.”  Buffy admits quietly as they walk into the house.  “With the way you went on about Xander.”

“Different dynamic.  Plus guys usually cheat.  Tara wouldn’t cheat, that’s just not her.  Plus the fact I knew from the beginning that she loved you, so I opened myself to the thought of it possibly becoming a threesome from the beginning.”  Anya shrugs, smiling.  “Let’s get you upstairs, Buffy.  You will never be the same after this!”  Anya smirks as Buffy whimpers quietly.

***

Chapter 24

Buffy hesitates outside the bedroom door, almost afraid to walk in. 

“Go, Buffy.”  Anya gently urges the slayer.  “It’s Tara, do you honestly think she’s going to do anything to hurt you or cause you any pain on purpose?”

“No.”  Buffy answers shortly, taking a deep breath, trying to relax.  “I’m more afraid I’m going to do something to hurt her.”

“Buffy.”  Tara states softly, opening the door.  “Relax.  You aren’t going to do anything to hurt me.”  Tara reaches up and strokes a hand down the slayer’s cheek, smiling as she instantly presses into the caress.  Turning her gaze to Anya, she smiles softly.  

“I’ll come back in a few.”  Anya mouths ‘give her time to relax’ towards Tara before turning and walking downstairs.

Tara gently urges an unresisting Buffy into the bedroom, before sitting down on the edge of the bed looking up at the slayer.  “Do you want to do this, Buffy?”  Tara questions softly, stroking her thumbs over the slayer’s hands she’s grasping. 

“God, yes!”  Buffy whispers hoarsely, her eyes looking up from where she was studying the floor into the sapphire blue eyes of Tara.  Kneeling down in front of Tara, Buffy places her hands gently on her knees, trying to get her thoughts in order.  “I’m nervous I’m going to do something wrong, or something to hurt you.  I’ve never been with a woman before, and I’m afraid that I’m going to be rougher than I should be.” 

“Sweetie, just because Anya and I are women doesn’t mean that we don’t like the occasional firmer touch.”  Tara tries to state delicately, to try and make Buffy more comfortable.  “How about if you do what you want, and if it’s too rough, I’ll say something.  You’ll become more comfortable and relaxed after a few minutes.”

Buffy nods her head uncertainly, as she realizes Tara’s sitting there in a soft, silky robe not her usual cotton robe that she wears around the house.  Running her hand over the fabric that ends at her knees, Buffy tilts her head.  “I don’t remember you ever wearing this before.”

“Anya griped about my regular robes and bought me this.”  Tara admits, grinning crookedly.  “For some reason my normal robes irritate her.”

“I can understand why.”  Buffy raises her eyes, smiling.  “What I’ve seen has been known to make me extremely confused.”

“What you’ve seen?”  Tara questions running a hand through the slayer’s hair, watching her intently.

“Yeah, that one night when you were writing your paper.  You were lying on the bed in a tank top and shorts.  Needless to say, I stood at your door for a few minutes before saying anything.”  Buffy admits shyly. 

Tara frowns slightly, thinking back to the night she’s talking about.  “That’s when you practically ran out of the house?”

“Nothing practically about it.  I did run out of the house.”  Buffy chuckles, as she unconsciously runs her hands down the witch’s legs, stroking up and down slowly.  “Seeing all the skin on display, the surprising muscle tone.  Then when you stood up and stretched.”  Buffy inhales deeply.  “That little strip of skin that showed about drove me nuts.  I had to get out of here because I was feeling guilty as hell for ogling you like that.”

“No need to feel guilty anymore, sweetie.”  Tara whispers, smiling.  “You can look your fill… not just look but touch, also.”  Reaching for the slayer’s face with both hands, she strokes her thumbs gently over the velvety soft cheeks.  “Would you like to look?  To touch?”

“Please.”  Buffy whispers, slowly standing, her gaze riveted on Tara as she stands, gently shrugging off the silk robe.  As the cloth slides down her body, uncovering the witch’s body, Buffy whimpers quietly as the pale, silky looking skin, comes into view.  Her eyes following the slide of the robe, Buffy inhales deeply as her eyes slide down the full, soft looking breasts with pink aureoles.  Her hands, of their own volition, start to reach for the witch before Buffy stops.

Tara watches Buffy intently for her reaction, smiling gently at the obvious pleasure and approval crossing the slayer’s face.  As Buffy stops her hands short of their obvious destination, Tara gently clasps the slayer’s wrists in her hands placing the unresisting hands on her chest.  “Touch, Buffy.”  Tara whispers quietly, smiling as hazel eyes look up at her, wonder and love showing in their depths. 

“Beautiful.”  Buffy whispers before dropping her gaze back to watch as she gently squeezes the breasts in her hands before stroking her fingers over the warm flesh, tapering down to gently tweak the quickly hardening nipples.  Buffy glances up quickly as she hears a quiet groan come from Tara, smiling as she sees the obvious pleasure crossing Tara’s face. 

“Am I allowed to touch?”  Tara questions quietly, her hands gently squeezing Buffy’s shoulders.

It takes a moment for Tara’s question to sink in.  Blinking at the witch, Buffy grins as she steps back out of the witch’s grasp.  Quickly stripping her shirt off, Buffy drops it on the floor before unhooking her bra, letting it follow behind.  Glancing down at her own breasts, she looks up apologetically.  “I’m definitely not well endowed.”

“You’re perfect, sweetie.”  Tara hoarsely whispers as she takes in the beautiful tan skin, the small but perfect breasts tipped with dark rosy nipples.  As Buffy slides her pants and panties down in one fell swoop, Tara finds herself holding her breath at the thin strip of trimmed hair on the slayer’s mound.  “Goddess, you’re beautiful.”  Tara whispers as Buffy stands, Tara’s eyes caressing over the slayer’s deceptively delicate looking body, the muscles playing under the skin with each movement Buffy makes. 

Buffy watches the obvious approval crossing Tara’s face as she looks over her body.  Realizing she hasn’t finished her own perusal of the witch, Buffy’s eyes caress back over the witch’s chest, her fingers twitching at wanting to feel the warm flesh again.  Hesitantly, Buffy allows her eyes to slide down further, over the witch’s waist, down to the neatly trimmed dark blonde hair covering the woman’s mound.  Inhaling deeply at the sight, Buffy moans, closing her eyes as the scent of the witch’s arousal invades her being. 

Easing back on the bed, Tara lays down as she tilts her head to watch as Buffy finally opens her passion-filled eyes.  Patting the bed, Tara chuckles as Buffy crosses the short distance, climbing in beside her.  Easing onto her back, Tara watches as Buffy reaches for her without any prompting, stroking a hand down the side of her neck.  Glancing up as Anya eases into the room, Tara smiles gently at the shopkeeper as she quietly sits down in the chair nodding towards her, smirking.

Leaning down, Buffy brushes her lips gently over Tara’s, slowly deepening the kiss as she eases her body in closer to Tara, groaning as Tara’s warm hand strokes down her side, clasping her gently at the waist.  As she battles gently against Tara’s tongue, Buffy whimpers as Tara’s hand slides up, cupping her breast firmly, rubbing her thumb over her quickly hardening nipple.  Breaking off the kiss, Buffy groans, arching her body into the caress.  “I thought…”  Swallowing, Buffy whimpers loudly as Tara pinches her nipple firmly.  “I was supposed to be learning your body.” 

“Sorry.”  Tara whispers, smiling at the slayer before gently squeezing Buffy’s breast once more before letting her hand drop away from Buffy’s body. 

“No, you’re not.”  Buffy chuckles at the witch before kissing the soft skin of her neck, slowly working her way across the warm skin.  Licking over the witch’s pulse point, Buffy smiles as she hears Tara’s heartbeat quicken.  Gently sucking the soft skin into her mouth, Buffy nips softly as she releases it, laving the flesh with her tongue.  “I’m allowed to do and try anything?”

“Y-yes.”  Tara groans quietly as Buffy shifts over her, keeping her weight to her arms and knees as she slowly drags her breasts against hers, shifting her body down, dragging the hardened nipples down her stomach as Buffy stops to circle a hard nipple with her strong tongue.

Buffy whimpers as she sucks Tara’s nipple gently in her mouth, having the urge to nip the hardened nub, Buffy hesitates a moment glancing up to watch Tara moan and shift before nipping gently, growling at the cry of pleasure escaping Tara’s mouth.  Biting down a little firmer, Buffy flicks the captured flesh with the tip of her tongue.

“Goddess!”  Tara cries out loudly, her fingers digging into the bed covers as she lifts her body, pushing up into Buffy’s body.  Groaning as she comes into contact with Buffy’s hot sex, Tara raises her hands, grasping the slayer’s hips while she pushes her lower stomach into the wet heat.

“Shit!”  Buffy cries out loudly, releasing the witch’s breast as she pushes against the witch, slowly shifting her body against Tara.  “Maybe I can… hmmmmm… can wait to learn your body.”  Buffy pants.

“I think that’s a great idea.”  Anya whispers, in a sex-roughened voice.  Watching the two women together even though they hadn’t gotten very far, has her body aching for release.  “Is it okay if I join?”  Anya hesitates before standing up.

“Of course.”  Buffy squeaks as Tara quickly shifts switching her onto her back on the bed, hovering over her.

“Good.”  Tara growls quietly, nipping down Buffy’s neck, sucking strongly on the slayer’s pulse point as she presses her sex against Buffy’s in a slow circular grind.

“Don’t be greedy.”  Anya whispers, her hand stroking down Tara’s back as she climbs in the bed.  Smiling as Tara grunts, shifting her body so she’s straddling one of Buffy’s thighs.  Reaching down, Anya runs a hand up Buffy’s other leg, smiling as Tara starts a gentle rocking motion, her sex pressing against Buffy’s thigh.  “Tense your leg, Buffy.  Give Tara something hard and firm to rub against.”  Anya softly orders before running her hand up the inside of Buffy’s leg, cupping the slayer’s sex firmly.

“Goddess!”  Tara cries out as Buffy does as Anya suggested.  Shifting her body, Tara supports herself with her arms as she rocks harder against Buffy.

Buffy whimpers loudly as Anya’s hand strokes over her body at the same time Tara shifts one hand to pinch and twist one of her nipples.  “I want to touch, taste someone, please?” 

Tara slows down her rocking motion, glancing towards Anya.  “Go, sweetie.”

Anya groans at the offer, looking from Tara’s passion-filled eyes, to Buffy’s begging eyes.  “Okay.”  Anya finally acquiescence’s.  Shifting her body up the bed, she straddles Buffy’s face groaning quietly as eager fingers stroke over her.

“So wet.”  Buffy whispers in amazement, stroking over the ex-demon’s folds, raising both hands Buffy gently separates the silken folds, inhaling deeply of the lightly musky smell before running her fingers over the woman’s sex, searching for Anya’s clitoris.  Rubbing a finger over the hardening muscle as she finds it, Buffy smiles as Anya jerks at the caress.  Continuing the soft motions, Buffy urges Anya down replacing her finger with a tentative tongue.  So intent on what’s in front of her, she’s not aware of Tara’s shifting body until she feels a warm tongue stroke strongly over her own swollen muscle.  Her body jerking at the caress, Buffy groans loudly into Anya’s sex surprised as she hears Anya groan in response. 

“Taste so good, Buffy.”  Tara whispers before separating the slayer’s lips as much as possible so she can dive deeply inside the slayer with her tongue, swirling around strongly.  Holding onto the slayer’s thighs before bringing her tongue out to slide up and over the swollen, twitching muscle, quickly capturing it between her lips Tara alternates sucking and licking the flickering muscle.  As Buffy’s hips start bucking more firmly, Tara slides two fingers deep within the slayer while sucking continuously on the spasming muscle.  Moaning as the slayer’s swollen nub impossibly swells even more.  Realizing the slayer must be holding back from the release for some reason, Tara releases the muscle for a moment.  “Let it go, sweetie.”  Tara murmurs before diving back in, flicking her tongue strongly over the quivering muscle, before dragging her whole length of her tongue over the rock hard muscle.

“SHIT!”  Buffy cries out her release as Tara clamps down strongly, sucking voraciously on the muscle.

Anya shifts off and away from Buffy, allowing her the release that had obviously been a long time in coming from the way Buffy was bucking and crying out.  Lying beside the slayer, Anya strokes her hands firmly down the slayer’s body, placing soothing kisses along her neck and shoulder as Buffy finally collapses back on the bed. 

Tara gently eases up the other side of the slayer, leaving her hand cupping the slayer’s mound keeping a light pressure against the twitching body.  Placing gentle kisses on Buffy’s neck, she smiles as she watches a slightly worried Anya still stroking her hands over Buffy’s body, trying to bring the slayer down from her orgasmic high. 

“Buffy, are you okay?”  Anya questions softly, reaching up to cup the slayer’s face watching Buffy intently. 

“She was holding back for some reason.”  Tara offers softly, her eyes turning towards Anya with wonder.  “You don’t think…”  Tara turns her gaze on Buffy, frowning.  “Buffy, sweetie?” 

Buffy whimpers as she blinks trying to bring the two women looking at her worriedly into focus.  “Huh?  What was that?”  Buffy groans, her body twitching.

Anya strokes her hand gently down Buffy’s face.  “Have you ever had an orgasm before, Buffy?”

Buffy hesitantly nods her head.  “But never to that degree before.”  Buffy admits between heavy pants.

“Did you?”  Anya partially questions, raising an eyebrow at Tara.  When Tara shakes her head no a small wicked smile crosses her face and she chuckles quietly. “Who’s going to get to have that particular pleasure the first time?”  Anya questions, smirking at the witch. 

“I guess in all fairness it should be you.”  Tara admits quietly reaching over to Anya, brushing her thumb over the shopkeeper’s bottom lip.  “Just don’t do to her what you did to me that first night.  I don’t think she’d be able to handle that just yet.” 

“What are you two talking about?”  Buffy finally questions hoarsely, as she gets her breathing under control.  

“Talking about a very intense, freeing orgasm.”  Tara admits, smiling at the slayer.  “That Anya is going to introduce you to, very soon.”

“Not for a little while.  I kind of got sidetracked from what I was doing earlier.”  Buffy blushes lightly, her eyes alight with mischief.  “Now the problem is do I finish what I was doing with you, or Anya?”  Buffy questions quietly, looking from Tara to Anya and back again. 

Tara chuckles quietly.  “Go ahead and enjoy Anya.  I won’t mind watching for a little while.”  Tara whispers leaning over the slayer to kiss Anya, starting off slow, gradually the two women deepening the kiss until they’re battling strongly against each other.  Tara whimpers as Anya ends the kiss, nipping her way strongly across her jaw, sucking on her earlobe for a few moments. 

Buffy whimpers watching the two women above her, her hands unconsciously working to each woman’s back, stroking down and over their butts before shifting back up over each back.  “Maybe I should watch.” 

Anya chuckles as she nips Tara‘s earlobe, backing away from Tara to look down at Buffy.  “Whatever you wish, Buffy.  Just make up your mind because before this day is over I’m planning on making you scream.” 

Buffy blushes darkly, looking from one woman to the other, not able to make up her mind. 

“I’ll make this easy.”  Tara whispers, shifting from the bed and walking over to the chair.  Smiling at the two women as she sits down, tucking her feet under her.  “I can wait.” 

Anya smiles down at Buffy.  “Do you want to decide what you want to do?  Or do you want me to take the lead?” 

Buffy growls quietly, finally deciding she wants to taste the ex-demon again, as she licks the flavor of her off her lips.  “My turn.”  Buffy smirks as she shifts over Anya, kissing her passionately.

Tara inhales as the slayer takes control, her dominant spirit exerting itself.  Swallowing as Buffy quickly works her way down Anya’s body, Tara whimpers as Buffy nips playfully at the ex-demon’s breasts. 

“Tell me if I do something you don’t like.”  Buffy murmurs as she works her way down Anya’s body, wanting to again taste the light musky flavor permeating the room among Tara’s and hers arousal. 

“Don’t worry, I will.”  Anya whispers, arching her back as Buffy nips down her stomach.  Easing her legs further apart, Anya groans quietly as an adventurous hand caresses over her folds, learning her body.

Gently separating Anya’s outer lips, Buffy inhales deeply of the woman’s aroma before stroking her fingers over the wet flesh.  Looking upon Anya at her most vulnerable, Buffy smiles gently as Anya shifts her body wantonly.  Stroking her fingers through the juices coming from the ex-demon, Buffy leans in tentatively at first, stroking her tongue up and over Anya before licking more firmly as she feels the hard muscle under her tongue twitch and Anya jerk up at the caress.  Teasing Anya’s opening with one finger, Buffy moans into the woman as Anya pushes herself against the finger.  Sliding in, Buffy can’t believe the ease with which her finger slid into the woman quickly adding a second then a third, Buffy starts a quick in and out motion.

“Yesss!”  Anya hisses as Buffy adds more fingers to her stroking, her hips bucking at the pleasure Buffy’s causing her, Anya whimpers loudly as Buffy finally sucks her into her mouth, the slayer sucking firmly and quickly bringing her to the edge of release.  As Buffy flicks her tongue strongly against the quivering muscle, it finally tips Anya over the edge.

Buffy moans at the hot, sweet fluid escaping Anya, quickly lapping at the surprise Buffy unconsciously continues stroking in and out of the ex-demon, extending her orgasm.  Surprised at how strong the woman’s inner muscles are as they clench and unclench against her fingers, her own body clenching in response. As Anya finally starts to ease her hips down onto the bed spent, Buffy places one more kiss on the woman’s hot, hard nub before gently kissing her way back up Anya’s body.  Brushing her breasts over the ex-vengeance demon as she finally reaches her lips, kissing her gently.  “Good?”  Buffy hesitantly questions.

“More than good.”  Anya whimpers, finally opening her eyes to look into Buffy’s happy hazel eyes.  “Great, excellent, and a very serious wow.”  Anya admits, chuckling as she hugs Buffy pulling the slayer down against her body.

Tara chuckles quietly at the two women, her own body humming with desire.  Realizing she’s surprised at how much she’s turned on at watching her two lovers.  Definitely coming to the conclusion that they were going to have to figure out living arrangements and soon because she doesn’t want to be without either woman.

“Get over here.”  Anya whispers to Tara, smiling as the witch quickly untucks her legs, striding the short distance to the bed. 

“You called?”  Tara whispers smirking as she lays down beside the two women, caressing her hand down Buffy’s slightly sweaty back to cup a butt cheek in her hand firmly.  “Definitely grab worthy.”  Tara chuckles wickedly as she squeezes the flesh. 

“Watch that!”  Buffy growls, leaning over the short distance kissing Tara firmly.  “Oh…”  Buffy tilts her head after she kisses Tara in contemplation.  “I can grab you, too now.”  Buffy slides a hand over to stroke and pinch the witch’s nipple, smirking as Tara chuckles.

“You could have grabbed them then, also, you know.”  Tara laughs quietly as Buffy rolls her eyes.  Flexing her fingers firmly in to the muscular flesh, Tara wiggles her eyebrows.  “So, what do you want to do now?” 

“Attack.”  Buffy states simple, lifting herself quickly from Anya to Tara, nipping and sucking her way down Tara’s body.

“I think we created a monster.”  Anya laughs as she shifts on her side, scooting back a bit to give the two women more room.  Reaching over, Anya runs a hand down Tara’s neck, chuckling at the little red marks Buffy left behind.

“So not AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!”  Tara arches her words turning into a passionate cry as Buffy sucks her clit into her mouth strongly while sliding her fingers deep into her body starting a fast, hard rhythm inside her.  Jumping up into the caresses, Tara whimpers loudly, clenching down on the pleasure giving fingers.

“GOOOOODDDDD.”  Buffy growls as she releases the muscle to get her breath for a few moments before diving back in.  Licking strongly over the quivering muscle, lapping up the fluid escaping from the witch, noticing as the flavor starts to change from the dark rich musky flavor becoming lighter and sweeter as Tara starts to explode against her mouth and fingers.  

Anya laughs quietly, as she leans her head against Tara’s shoulder, her eyes watching Buffy intently.  As Tara whimpers, her hips grinding softly before slowing down Anya smirks knowingly as Buffy finally lifts her face from where she’d been buried between Tara’s thighs, licking her tongue around her lips and mouth trying to gather all the fluid there.  “I was right, good isn’t it?”

“More than good.”  Buffy chuckles deeply as she works her way up Tara’s body, stopping to kiss Anya first, laughing as when they break off the kiss Anya licks strongly across her chin.

“I’ll help clean you up.”  Anya murmurs, running her tongue over the slayer’s chin and lips gathering up all the left over juice that she can find.

Tara blushes lightly at the two women before moaning into Buffy’s soft lips as she kisses her gently.  “Goddess, I love you two.”  Tara murmurs, wrapping an arm around each woman, hugging them tightly. 

“Can we spend all day in bed?” Buffy questions seriously, shifting her body to lay on the other side of Tara, running her fingers caressingly over the witch watching with rapt attention as Tara’s nipple tightens and hardens at her touch.

“You might get hungry.”  Tara smiles as Buffy’s curious fingers stroke over her body alternating gentle glides with light pinching to firm stroking. 

“And poor Phoenix would be doing the potty dance.”  Buffy admits, frowning as she shifts to look around the room.  “Where is she, anyway?” 

“Probably downstairs.”  Anya laughs quietly.  “I think she’s glad we finally got everything situated between us.” 

“I do need to figure out something to fix for dinner.”  Tara murmurs softly as she shifts to slide down to the end of the bed, smiling back at the two women as they groan in protest.  “No matter how enticing it is to spend all day in bed with you two, we do need nourishment.”  Tara picks up her robe sliding it on before tying the sash gently, watching the two women. 

Buffy pouts as Tara walks out of the room but the pout turns into a grin as she feels a hand caress up her leg and grasp her hip gently. 

“You know, we could order food to be delivered.  That way she isn’t spending part of the day fixing dinner.”  Anya offers quietly. 

“That sounds like a wonderful idea.”  Buffy smiles, turning over to face Anya.  Reaching up, Buffy looks at the woman curiously as she runs her hand gently down her cheek.  “Thank you, Anya.”  Seeing the confused look coming across her face, Buffy places a gentle kiss on the ex-demon’s lips.  “For seeing that we cared for each other and doing something about it, for not being jealous and for a million other reasons.”  Buffy hesitates for a moment, looking into the kind and caring eyes of the ex-vengeance demon.  “I’m sorry for all the times I was hateful to you.  I never realized what you were really like and I feel like shit for not taking the time to get to know you better.”

“It’s okay Buffy.”  Anya swallows the tears she feels coming to her eyes at the compassionate and sincere tone in Buffy’s voice.  “I kind of always thought you were pretty self-centered and bossy.  So…”  Anya shrugs, smiling at the slayer.  “We both know better now, and are working on remedying that.  I want you to know I do love you.”  Anya whispers, brushing her thumb gently over Buffy’s bottom lip.  “Having Tara talking about you all the time gave me more of an insight as to what makes you tick.  Of course, I can’t say that I’m happy with you for driving her crazy, but I know you didn’t do it on purpose.  If I can get over Willow and the shit she pulled, I guess I won’t hold the things you did against you.” 

“Thank God.”  Buffy mutters, tilting her head against Anya’s shoulder hugging her tightly.  “I feel like shit for the way I treated her.”

“You just didn’t know what to do, Buffy.  Plus the fact Tara never came out and told you how she felt about you just compounded the comedy of errors that is your life.”  Anya chuckles quietly as she feels Buffy nod her head quickly.  “But, like I said earlier, I’m glad things happened the way they did.  Now I have two very beautiful, loving, caring women in my life and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”  

“I think that could be said for all of us.”  Tara whispers, smiling at the two women as she leans against the doorframe.  “I laid out a pork loin for dinner.”

“Put it in the refrigerator.  You can cook it later this week.  We’re going to order out.”  Anya smiles at the witch as Tara chuckles quietly.  

“I hate to say this, but I need to go clean up the back yard.”  Buffy murmurs, stroking her hand down Anya’s back one more time before smiling apologetically at the ex-demon as she shifts off the bed, standing and stretching.  Groaning quietly at the pleasant ache in her body, Buffy smiles at the thought of hopefully having that ache quite frequently. 

“I like that smile.”  Tara whispers, noticing the sated smile crossing the slayer’s face.  “I plan on seeing a lot of it, also.”

Buffy turns her gaze on Tara, smirking.  “Plan on keeping me in the bed a lot?”

“No.”  Tara shakes her head, eyeing the slayer thoughtfully.  “Don’t need a bed.” 

Anya chuckles at the deep blush crossing Buffy’s face.  “You never had a clue as to how much of a horn dog Tara is, did you?  Hell, of course you probably didn’t…”  Anya stops, blinking her eyes a couple times as she thinks, her gaze turning back on Buffy as the slayer blushes even darker.  “You HEARD them!!”  Anya yells pointing at the slayer.

“I am not saying a word.”  Buffy mutters, yanking her clothes on.

Tara giggles quietly.  “We tried to be quiet, but I’m sure there were a few times things got loud.”

“Slayer hearing, you didn’t have to get loud.  Most of the time I turned the radio on trying to drown it out.”  Buffy admits, grinning at Tara.  “Now I have first hand knowledge of what happens.”

“You haven’t even scraped the tip of the iceberg.”  Tara murmurs, her eyes darkening as she looks at Buffy. 

Anya chuckles wickedly as she dresses.  “But I get first dibs, remember that!” 

“I know.”  Tara nods her head, glancing over to Anya watching her dress.  “Damn.  How did I get so lucky as to have you two love me?”  Tara questions softly.

“Personally, I think I’m the lucky one.”  Buffy admits, walking towards the doorway stopping and brushing her lips tentatively over Tara’s mouth.  “Is this okay?”  Buffy questions softly.

“Kissing me?”  Tara whispers looking into the beautiful hazel eyes of the slayer and as Buffy nods, Tara smiles gently.  “Always.”  Tara reaches up to stroke her fingers gently down the slayer’s cheek.  “I’m a very touchy, feely person, Buffy.  I will never turn down being touched, kissed or caressed.  And I like to touch, kiss and caress in return.”

“Does she ever.”  Anya whimpers quietly.  “She’s not shy about getting naughty in public, Buffy.  So if you have a problem with that, you might want to tell her now.” 

Buffy blushes lightly before shaking her head.  “I don’t think I’ll have a problem.” 

“Good.”  Tara chuckles quietly as Buffy smiles placing another kiss on her lips before heading downstairs.

“I think we might have already corrupted the slayer.”  Anya chuckles walking up to Tara who has a happy grin on her face.

“She needs to be corrupted.”  Tara murmurs quietly, kissing Anya softly.  “I can’t wait to see what her reaction is going to be when you get a hold of her and give her g-spot a good working over.”

Anya groans at the thought.  “It’ll be interesting, to say the least.”  Anya smirks as the two women work their way downstairs.

***

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